speak
speak — 動詞
- speakpresent simple I / you / we / they
- speakshe / she / it
- spokepast simple
- spokenpast participle
- speaking-ing form
1. to produce words using your voice, whether chatting with another person or just
說話
用語言表達想法或交談
to produce words using your voice, whether chatting with another person or just saying something by yourself.
Mayumi is learning to speak her first words clearly.
Mayumi 正在學習清楚地說出她的第一批詞彙。
speak + words (direct object)
Theo asked the tour guide to speak more slowly so he could understand.
Theo 請導遊說慢一點，這樣他才能聽得懂。
speak + adverb of manner
The old woman spoke to the shopkeeper about the broken washing machine.
那位老婦人向店員反映洗衣機壞了。
speak to [someone] about [something]
Kian was too shy to speak at the family dinner table.
Kian 在家庭聚餐時害羞得不敢說話。
Olivia spoke into the microphone so everyone could hear her.
Olivia 對著麥克風說話，讓每個人都能聽見她。
- speak clearly
- speak quietly
- speak loudly
- speak in a whisper
- speak into a microphone
- remain silent
to not say anything at all
文法句型
speak + adverb of manner
speak to [someone]
speak + noun phrase
用法筆記
Transitive use is limited to certain objects such as 'words', 'truth', 'mind', or 'language'.
常見錯誤
2. used with an adverb to indicate the angle or perspective from which you are maki
來說
從某種觀點或角度表達
used with an adverb to indicate the angle or perspective from which you are making a statement.
Generally speaking, Professor Dario's chemistry experiment produced the results the team had hoped for.
一般來說，Dario 教授的化學實驗產生了團隊預期的結果。
generally speaking — viewpoint adverb pair
Strictly speaking, this type of contract is not allowed under the new rules.
嚴格來說，這種合約在新規定下是不允許的。
Broadly speaking, the two plans share the same goals and methods.
大致來說，這兩個計畫有著相同的目標和方法。
Technically speaking, you are correct, but the rule is rarely enforced.
從技術層面來說，你是對的，但這條規則很少被執行。
technically speaking — narrowing the scope of truth
- generally speaking
- strictly speaking
- broadly speaking
- technically speaking
- roughly speaking
- historically speaking
文法句型
generally/strictly/broadly/technically speaking
用法筆記
Always appears with an adverb of viewpoint (generally, strictly, broadly, technically, roughly, historically). The subject is typically the speaker or a general 'it'. Frequently used at the start of a sentence set off by a comma.
3. to talk to someone about something wrong they have done, in order to show your d
告誡
提醒或責備某人的錯誤行為
to talk to someone about something wrong they have done, in order to show your disapproval.
Caio's manager spoke to him about arriving late every morning.
Caio 的主管告誡他每天早上都遲到的事。
speak to [someone] about [misbehaviour]
The head teacher spoke to the students who had not finished their homework.
校長告誡那些沒有完成作業的學生。
Samir knew he would be spoken to after the incident in the cafeteria.
Samir 知道在餐廳事件之後，他會被約談告誡。
passive: be spoken to (by authority figure)
The coach spoke to the players about their poor sportsmanship during the match.
教練告誡球員在比賽中缺乏運動家精神的表現。
- speak to someone about
- was spoken to
- needs to be spoken to
- praise
to express approval of someone's actions
文法句型
speak to [someone] about [misbehaviour]
用法筆記
Frequently passive ('be spoken to'). The person spoken to is usually a subordinate — a child, student, or employee. The subject is an authority figure. Do not confuse with 'speak to' meaning 'address' (sense 1), which is neutral.
常見錯誤
4. having the skill or knowledge to use a specific language for communication, rega
說；講
能夠使用某種語言溝通
having the skill or knowledge to use a specific language for communication, regardless of your level.
Hyun can speak three different languages, and she uses them fluently at work.
Hyun 會說三種不同的語言，而且她在工作中能流利使用。
speak + language (direct object)
Does anyone in this office speak Korean well enough to translate the email?
這間辦公室裡有人韓語說得夠好，可以翻譯這封電子郵件嗎？
The tour guide spoke English and Japanese to the visitors from Osaka.
導遊用英語和日語跟來自大阪的遊客交談。
Élise speaks French at home and German at work.
Élise 在家講法語，在上班時講德語。
speak + language at [place] — context of language use
- speak English
- speak French
- speak Japanese
- speak a language
- speak fluently
- native speaker
- use
neutral; 'use English' is possible but less idiomatic than 'speak English'
文法句型
speak + language name
用法筆記
The object is always a language name (English, Mandarin, Arabic, etc.). Unlike 'say', you cannot use a quote or specific words after 'speak' in this sense. 'Speak in + language' is also possible but less common in everyday use.
常見錯誤
5. to make a prepared speech in front of an audience, especially at a formal event
演講
對聽眾發表正式談話
to make a prepared speech in front of an audience, especially at a formal event or ceremony.
Christopher was nervous because he had to speak at his sister's wedding.
Christopher 很緊張，因為他必須在姐姐的婚禮上演講。
speak at [event] — giving a formal talk
The professor will speak about climate change at the international conference.
這位教授將在國際會議上針對氣候變遷發表演講。
Baraka has been invited to speak to the new students during orientation week.
Baraka 受邀在新生訓練週期間向新生演講。
speak to [audience]
Liam spoke passionately about the need for clean drinking water in rural areas.
Liam 熱情地演講，談到偏鄉地區對乾淨飲用水的需求。
- speak at a conference
- speak to an audience
- speak about a topic
- invited to speak
- spoke passionately
- give a speech
more explicit about the formal nature of the event
- address
more formal; used for official gatherings
文法句型
speak at [event]
speak to [audience]
speak about [topic]
用法筆記
Often followed by 'at' (the event: at a conference, at a meeting) or 'to' (the audience: to the class). The topic is introduced by 'about' or 'on'. This sense implies preparation and formality — different from casual conversation (sense 1).
6. to show or communicate a feeling, quality, or meaning through actions, appearanc
流露
不用言語而表現情感或意義
to show or communicate a feeling, quality, or meaning through actions, appearance, or other non-verbal signs — for example, when someone's eyes or facial expression show an emotion without using words.
The silence in the room spoke of their deep sadness after the funeral.
房間裡的寂靜流露出他們在葬禮後的深切悲傷。
speak of [emotion] — non-verbal expression
Adina's eyes spoke of a joy she could not put into words.
Adina 的眼神流露出言語無法形容的喜悅。
The empty streets spoke of a city that had lost its energy and purpose.
空蕩蕩的街道流露出這座城市已失去活力與目標。
Sivan's paintings speak directly to the pain and hope of living in a war zone.
Sivan 的畫作直接觸及生活在戰區的痛苦與希望。
speak to [experience] — art expressing something
- speak of
- speak to
- eyes speak
- silence speaks
- art speaks
- speak volumes
文法句型
speak of [emotion/quality]
speak to [feeling/experience]
用法筆記
The subject is always non-human — a situation, a person's expression, a work of art, or an environment. 'Speak of' introduces what is shown; 'speak to' introduces what is addressed or expressed toward someone.
7. of an object or device, to produce a distinctive or expected sound that seems to
發出聲響
物體發出特有的聲音
of an object or device, to produce a distinctive or expected sound that seems to communicate something.
The old grandfather clock spoke with a deep chime at exactly midnight.
那座老舊的落地鐘在午夜時分發出深沉的鐘聲。
speak — literary use for objects producing sound
The cannons spoke across the valley at dawn, signalling the start of battle.
黎明時分，大砲在山谷中轟鳴，宣告戰鬥開始。
The violin seemed to speak through its gentle notes as Ziad played it.
Ziad 演奏時，那把小提琴似乎透過溫柔的音符傾訴心聲。
The church bells spoke across the village, calling everyone to the morning service.
教堂的鐘聲響徹村莊，召喚大家參加早晨的禮拜。
- clock speaks
- cannons speak
- bells speak
- instrument speaks
文法句型
[object] speaks — literary use
用法筆記
Almost exclusively literary or poetic. Not used in everyday speech to describe ordinary sounds (do not say 'my phone spoke'). Common in historical writing about cannons, bells, and musical instruments.
speak up
phrasal verbto speak louder, or to express your opinion openly without fear.
大聲說；發聲表態
Could you speak up, please? I cannot hear you at the back of the room.
Nobody dared to speak up about the unfair working conditions.
speak out
phrasal verbto express your opinion publicly and strongly, especially against something you think is wrong.
公開反對；大聲疾呼
Several teachers spoke out against the new school policy on uniforms.
Mayumi decided to speak out about the bullying she had witnessed.
speak for
phrasal verbto express the opinions or wishes of someone else on their behalf.
代表…發言
I cannot speak for the whole team, but I personally support the new plan.
The lawyer spoke for the family during the court hearing.
speak of
phrasal verbTo mention or talk about something.
談到
The report speaks of a need for reform.
She spoke of her childhood with fondness.
speak to
phrasal verbTo talk to someone or to address a particular topic.
對...說話；談及
I need to speak to the manager about this issue.
This book speaks to the challenges of modern parenting.
speak your mind
idiomto say exactly what you think, in a very direct and honest way, even if it might upset others.
直言不諱
Adina is not afraid to speak her mind during team meetings.
Felix appreciates colleagues who speak their minds during budget meetings rather than just nodding.
speak volumes
idiomto reveal a lot of information about something or someone's true feelings, without using words.
充分說明；不言而喻
The way she organised the charity event spoke volumes about her dedication.
Ramón's silence during the team meeting spoke volumes about his disagreement with the new schedule.
so to speak
idiomused to show that you are describing something in an unusual or metaphorical way, not in its exact sense.
可以這麼說
The new teachers were in the same boat, so to speak, all struggling with the same difficult class.
The bakery put all its eggs in one basket, so to speak, by selling only wedding cakes.
speak of the devil
idiomsaid when a person who has just been mentioned suddenly appears.
說人人到
Speak of the devil — we were just talking about Liam and here he comes.
What someone does is more important than what they say they will do.
行動勝於言語
Maya promised to help, but her actions speak louder than words.
Don't just tell me you care; actions speak louder than words.
To be willing to talk politely to someone, especially after a disagreement.
願意和某人說話
After their fight, they are not on speaking terms.
Is Sara speaking to her brother yet after the argument?
The information available is enough to prove something without needing more explanation.
事實不言自明
The sales numbers are up; the facts speak for themselves.
Look at the evidence—the facts speak for themselves.
Used to show that a statement is true in a general or approximate way.
一般來說
Generally speaking, students prefer shorter assignments.
Broadly speaking, the plan was a success.
True in some ways but not completely or exactly.
在某種意義上
He is, in a manner of speaking, the leader of the group.
In a manner of speaking, we are all responsible for the mistake.
A very small amount that is not worth mentioning.
不值一提
We have no money to speak of after the trip.
There was nothing to speak of in the fridge.
To be so clear that no further explanation is needed.
不言而喻
Her artwork speaks for itself; it's beautiful.
The results speak for themselves—we won.
To express your own opinion instead of letting someone else do it for you.
為自己說話
I can speak for myself, thank you very much.
She prefers to speak for herself in meetings.
speak for yourself
idiomUsed to tell someone that a general statement they made does not apply to you.
那是你自己的想法
“We all enjoyed the movie.” “Speak for yourself!”
“Nobody likes homework.” “Speak for yourself; I find it useful.”
To say or think bad things about someone.
說某人壞話
It's not polite to speak ill of the dead.
She never thinks ill of her coworkers.
Used to indicate that you are giving an opinion from the perspective of a particular role.
以...的身份來說
Speaking as a teacher, I think homework is important.
Speaking as a parent, I worry about school safety.
Said when someone you were just talking about appears unexpectedly.
說曹操曹操就到
Well, speak of the devil—here comes Diego!
We were just discussing you; talk of the devil!
speak out of turn
idiomTo say something when you should not, for example because it is not the right time or you are not the right person.
說不該說的話
I'm sorry, I spoke out of turn during the meeting.
He tends to speak out of turn and upset people.
To say something inappropriate or offensive in a given situation.
失言
She spoke out of turn and offended the guests.
Don't talk out of turn; wait for your turn.
To share similar opinions or experiences so that communication is easy.
有共同語言
Brian and I really speak the same language about music.
They talk the same language when it comes to business.
To reveal a lot about someone or something without using words.
充分說明
Her smile speaks volumes about her happiness.
His dedication speaks volumes for his character.
To say good or bad things about someone.
說某人好/壞話
Everyone speaks well of our new manager.
She never speaks ill of her colleagues.
strictly speaking
idiomIf you are using words or rules in their exact or correct sense.
嚴格來說
Strictly speaking, a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable.
Strictly speaking, that is not allowed by the rules.
speak — 字尾
1. attached to the end of a noun to refer to the specialised vocabulary typical of
用語；術語
構成名詞，指特定領域的特殊語言
attached to the end of a noun to refer to the specialised vocabulary typical of a certain field or occupation.
The annual report from Dario's company was full of corporate-speak that confused the new investors.
Dario 公司的年度報告充滿了公司用語，讓新投資人看得一頭霧水。
corporate-speak — jargon of business
The mayor used government-speak to avoid giving a clear answer about the hospital budget.
市長使用政府官僚用語來迴避正面回答醫院的預算問題。
The manual for Theo's camera was written in heavy tech-speak — he read each step twice.
Theo 的相機說明書充滿了專業術語——他每個步驟都得讀兩遍。
Amani read the job ad, but the marketing-speak told her nothing about her daily tasks.
Amani 看了那則求才廣告，但裡面的行銷用語完全沒有提到她的日常工作。
- business-speak
- corporate-speak
- marketing-speak
- government-speak
- tech-speak
- management-speak
- jargon
more neutral; 'jargon' does not carry the critical tone of '-speak'
用法筆記
Forms nouns by attaching to a subject area, e.g. 'business-speak', 'marketing-speak', 'internet-speak'. Often carries a slightly critical tone, suggesting the language is unnecessarily complicated or excludes outsiders. Originates from George Orwell's 'Newspeak' in the novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.
同根字
- speaker名詞A2
- speech名詞B1
- spoken形容詞B1
- unspoken形容詞B2
- unspeakable形容詞B2
- spokesperson名詞B2
- spokesman名詞B2
- spokeswoman名詞B2
- outspoken形容詞C1
- speechless形容詞B2