1 B2 idiomatic informal
To speak to someone continuously without giving them a chance to respond or without paying attention to their reactions.
"He doesn't really listen — he just talks at you for an hour and then leaves."
inseparable
talk at
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To speak to someone in a one-sided way, without listening or allowing them to respond.
In plain English
To speak to someone as if they are just an audience — you keep talking and never let them say anything.
What does "talk at" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Always implies a negative dynamic. The speaker is not interested in dialogue or feedback. Common in discussions about poor communication, bad teachers, or domineering people. More descriptive/critical than 'talk to.'
Words that pair with "talk at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
lecture audience students employees partner
How to conjugate "talk at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
talk at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
talks at
he/she/it
Past simple
talked at
yesterday
Past participle
talked at
have + pp
-ing form
talking at
continuous
Hear "talk at" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "talk at" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "talk at"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
drone on at harangue hold forth at lecture monologue at
Keep exploring
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