[영어단어 차이점 공부] Talk vs Speak 차이점 및 구분해서 사용하기, 전치사와 함께 사용

Practical Tips on When to Use Talk vs. Speak

Is it “to talk” or “to speak”? That is the question.

Get a quick and easy guide for how to use “talk” vs. “speak” correctly through simple examples.

Talk vs Speak Example

Differences between “Speak” vs. “Talk”

This one might seem like a no-brainer. “Speak” and “talk” are both verbs that have to do with communication. So, you should be able to use them interchangeably, right? While they both involve the relaying of information, usually in a verbal sense, they can’t be used interchangeably all the time.

Here’s why:

Speak is used in formal sentences to provide information. You are giving information to another person like in a speech. The communication is mostly in one direction. "Speak" also gives a sense of importance.

Speak는 좀 formal한 문장에서 정보를 제공하기 위해 사용. Communication이 주로 한 방향으로 이루어짐

To keep it nice and simple, you can look at how “to speak” is used in a formal way first.

Using “Speak” in a Formal Sentence

 “Speak” is more formal and adds a sense of importance or urgency. You’ll see “speak” used more in professional relationships like with your boss or teacher.

Speak는 중요성이나 긴급성 등을 포함하고 있다. Speak는 좀 더 직업적인 관계 (선생님이나 직장 상사)에서 더 사용되어 진다.

예시) Mr. Kim needs to speak with you.

예시) You need to speak to the principal.

* principal 교장

 

 

Talk is used in an informal sentence to have a conversation. You're having a simple chat with someone. It is a two-sided conversation, with both parties participating equally.

Talk는 informal 문장에서 대화를 하기 위해서 사용. 보통 양 방향의 대화로 이루어짐.

Let’s see how “talk” changes the tone of the conversation.

 “Talk” for Informational Sentences

When we use “talk” in a sentence, it is more like a casual chat with friends or family. The word “talk” is more laid back.

Talk는 우리가 좀 친구나 가족과 함께 casual chat에서 사용한다.

예시) Can we talk about how hot Mattie is?

예시) The girls always talk and giggle at their lockers.

 

“Speak” and “Talk” With Prepositions “to”

Both “speak” and “talk” can be used with the preposition “to.” For example, you might say:

전치사 To와 함께 예시) I need to speak to you.

전치사 To와 함께 예시) Can I talk to you?

We can also use the preposition "about" with either "speak" or "talk." However, you'll notice the difference between the more one-sided "speak" compared to the more conversational "talk."

Speak는 약간 일방적으로 뭔가 대화를 한쪽으로 전달하는 느낌

전치사 About 와 함께) Let's talk about our relationship.

전치사 About 와 함께) Mrs. Connell is here to speak about mental health.

 

Speak” is more commonly used with the preposition “with.” It is typically in a formal request like:

전치사 With 와 함께) Mr. Thomas needs to speak with you.

전치사 With 와 함께) May I speak with you?

 

It’s Important To Know Who’s “Speaking” or “Talking”

Another subtle difference between “speak” and “talk” is the number of people conversing. When words are coming from only one person (as in a speech), you’ll notice the use of the word “speak.” However, when two people are having a conversation with each other, “talk” will be used.

Speak는 보통 한명(강연, 연설)이 얘기할 때, talk는 사람들끼리 서로 대화할 때

Speak 예시) Billy is speaking.

Speak예시) She avoids eye contact when she speaks.

Speak예시) It is important to listen to the teacher when she speaks.

Speak예시) I think I speak for everyone.

Talk 예시) Kate and I were talking.

Talk예시) Did you hear what they were talking about?

Talk예시) We need to talk.

Talk예시) What do you want to talk about?

Talk예시)  Joanne would talk on the phone for hours with her best friend.

 

“Speak” for Fluency

In language proficiency, you will always “speak” not “talk.” You wouldn’t tell your friends that “you talk two languages.” Instead, you would tell them that “you speak two languages.” View a few more examples to see how this is done.

Speak 예시) Johnny can speak German.

Speak 예시) I can speak French.

Speak 예시) I didn’t know you could speak Russian.

Speak 예시) They all speak Dutch.

Speak 예시) I don't know how to speak Korean.