To speak to or have a conversation with someone, or to reprimand someone.
To say words to a person, or to tell someone off because they did something wrong.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To speak to someone or have a conversation with them.
"I need to talk to you about the project deadline."
We need to talk to each other, to listen to each other and understand how we see the world.
— Kofi Annan, Nobel Peace Prize Lecture, 2001
To reprimand or scold someone, usually in a position of authority.
"The principal talked to the students about their behaviour in the hallways."
In the reprimand sense, often used by people in authority (parents, teachers, managers). The phrase 'I need to talk to you' often signals a serious or difficult conversation is coming.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "talk to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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