Platicar con vs. Platicar de

Attribute	Platicar con	Platicar de
Meaning	To talk with someone	To talk about a topic
Preposition	Con (with)	De (about)
Usage	Used when talking to someone	Used when discussing a subject
Direct object	The person you are talking with	The topic of conversation

Introduction

When learning Spanish, it is important to understand the nuances of different prepositions and how they can change the meaning of a verb. Two common phrases that often cause confusion for Spanish learners are "platicar con" and "platicar de." While both phrases involve the verb "platicar," they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "platicar con" and "platicar de" to help clarify their differences.

Platicar con

The phrase "platicar con" is used to indicate that someone is talking or chatting with another person. It is often translated as "to talk with" or "to chat with" in English. When using "platicar con," the emphasis is on the interaction between two or more people. This phrase is commonly used in social settings or when discussing personal matters with someone.

For example, if you want to say "I talked with my friend yesterday," you would use the phrase "platicar con mi amigo ayer." In this context, the focus is on the conversation that took place between you and your friend. "Platicar con" is a versatile phrase that can be used in a variety of situations where communication between individuals is involved.

Platicar de

In contrast, the phrase "platicar de" is used to indicate the topic or subject of a conversation. It is often translated as "to talk about" in English. When using "platicar de," the emphasis is on the content or theme of the conversation rather than the interaction between individuals. This phrase is commonly used when discussing specific topics or issues.

For example, if you want to say "We talked about the weather," you would use the phrase "platicar de clima." In this context, the focus is on the subject of the conversation, which is the weather. "Platicar de" is a useful phrase for indicating the topic of discussion and is commonly used in both casual and formal settings.

Key Differences

One key difference between "platicar con" and "platicar de" is the focus of the conversation. While "platicar con" emphasizes the interaction between individuals, "platicar de" emphasizes the topic or subject being discussed. Understanding this distinction is important for using the correct phrase in different situations.

Another difference is the preposition used in each phrase. The preposition "con" is used with "platicar con" to indicate the person or people with whom you are talking. On the other hand, the preposition "de" is used with "platicar de" to indicate the topic or subject of the conversation.

Additionally, the verb "platicar" is conjugated differently depending on whether it is used with "con" or "de." When using "platicar con," the verb is conjugated to match the subject of the conversation. However, when using "platicar de," the verb remains in its infinitive form and is not conjugated.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences between "platicar con" and "platicar de":

• "Platicé con mi hermana sobre nuestras vacaciones." (I talked with my sister about our vacation.)
• "Platicamos de política en la reunión." (We talked about politics at the meeting.)
• "¿Con quién platicaste en la fiesta?" (Who did you talk with at the party?)
• "Hablamos de cine durante la cena." (We talked about movies during dinner.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the phrases "platicar con" and "platicar de" have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts in Spanish. "Platicar con" is used to indicate talking or chatting with someone, while "platicar de" is used to indicate the topic or subject of a conversation. Understanding the differences between these two phrases is essential for effective communication in Spanish and can help avoid confusion when using prepositions with verbs. By practicing with examples and paying attention to context, Spanish learners can improve their proficiency in using "platicar con" and "platicar de" correctly.