Introduction
When speaking Spanish, you often want to transition smoothly between topics or reference something just mentioned in conversation. One common way native speakers do this is by using the phrase equivalent to speaking of that in Spanish. Learning how to express this transition phrase will make your conversations sound more natural and help you connect your thoughts more fluently. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various ways to say speaking of that in Spanish, the contexts where each phrase works best, and practical examples to help you master this useful conversational tool.
The Main Ways to Say Speaking of That in Spanish
Hablando de Eso – The Most Direct Translation
The most literal and straightforward way to say speaking of that in Spanish is hablando de eso. This phrase breaks down into hablando, which means speaking, and de eso, which means of that. Together, hablando de eso creates a natural transition phrase that Spanish speakers use regularly in conversation.
For example, you might say: Hablando de eso, ¿viste la película nueva? This translates to Speaking of that, did you see the new movie? This usage works well when you want to shift the conversation to a related topic or when someone mentions something that reminds you of another subject.
A Propósito – Speaking of Which
Another excellent option is a propósito, which literally means for the purpose of or by the way, but is commonly used to mean speaking of that or speaking of which. This phrase is slightly more informal than hablando de eso and is very popular in casual conversations among native Spanish speakers.
You might use it like this: A propósito, ¿le diste las noticias a tu hermana? The translation would be Speaking of that, did you give the news to your sister? Notice how a propósito works well when you’re introducing a new thought that connects to the previous discussion.
Por Cierto – By the Way
The phrase por cierto is another way to introduce a related topic or transition in conversation. It literally means for certain or by the way, and while it’s not a perfect equivalent of speaking of that, it serves a similar conversational function. Spanish speakers use por cierto when they want to bring up something related to the current discussion.
An example would be: Por cierto, ¿cómo estuvo tu viaje a Madrid? This translates to By the way, how was your trip to Madrid? This phrase is particularly useful when you want to smoothly introduce a new but related topic into your conversation.
Hablando de Otra Cosa – Speaking of Something Else
If you want to transition to a completely different topic rather than a related one, you can use hablando de otra cosa. This phrase means speaking of something else and is useful when you want to change the subject entirely. The phrase includes hablando (speaking), de (of), otra (other), and cosa (thing).
For instance: Hablando de otra cosa, ¿qué planes tienes para el fin de semana? This translates to Speaking of something else, what are your plans for the weekend? This variant gives you a way to transition smoothly without appearing abrupt.
Context and Usage Considerations
Formal vs. Informal Settings
The phrases mentioned above work in both formal and informal contexts, but some are more common in certain situations. In professional settings or formal conversations, a propósito and hablando de eso are both appropriate and commonly used. In casual conversations with friends and family, all these phrases work equally well.
If you’re speaking with someone you’ve just met or in a business meeting, a propósito might sound slightly more professional while still being conversational. However, hablando de eso is universally understood and accepted in any context.
Regional Variations
Spanish speakers across different regions may have preferences for certain phrases. In Spain, a propósito and por cierto are extremely common. In Latin American Spanish, hablando de eso is perhaps slightly more prevalent, though all phrases are widely understood and used throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
Understanding these regional nuances can help you sound more like a native speaker in your particular region of interest. However, since all these phrases are universally understood, you don’t need to worry too much about getting it wrong.
Practical Examples in Real Conversations
Example 1: Shifting to a Related Topic
Imagine you’re talking about cooking with a friend, and the conversation naturally leads to restaurant recommendations.
Amigo: Me encanta cocinar pasta italiana en casa.
Tú: Qué interesante. Hablando de eso, ¿conoces algún restaurante italiano bueno en el centro?
In this scenario, hablando de eso connects the discussion from home cooking to restaurants, which is a natural related transition.
Example 2: Using A Propósito in Casual Conversation
Consider a conversation between friends discussing weekend activities:
Amiga: Fui al cine el sábado pasado.
Tú: ¡Qué bueno! A propósito, ¿viste que abrieron un cine nuevo en el barrio?
Here, a propósito introduces new but related information that flows naturally from the original topic.
Example 3: Changing the Subject with Hablando de Otra Cosa
When you want to transition to an entirely different topic:
Persona: …y por eso decidimos cambiar de casa.
Tú: Entiendo. Hablando de otra cosa, ¿ya terminaste el proyecto para la universidad?
Using hablando de otra cosa makes the shift in topics explicit and prevents confusion about whether you’re continuing the previous discussion.
Combining with Other Transition Words
Adding Emphasis with Además
You can combine hablando de eso with other transition words to create more complex sentences. For example, adding además (furthermore or also) can emphasize your point: Hablando de eso, además necesito contarte sobre mi trabajo. This combination means Speaking of that, furthermore I need to tell you about my job.
Using Y for Simple Connection
Sometimes simply adding y (and) before your transition phrase creates a natural flow: Y hablando de eso, ¿qué piensas sobre el tema? The y here creates a gentle bridge between thoughts while hablando de eso signals the transition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Overuse These Phrases
While transition phrases are useful, overusing them can make your speech sound unnatural. Try to use them strategically when you genuinely need to signal a topic change or connection. Native speakers don’t use these phrases in every sentence.
Avoid Incorrect Verb Forms
Remember that hablando is the present participle form of hablar. Don’t try to conjugate it differently in these phrases. You should always use hablando de eso, not hablo de eso or hablar de eso when you’re using this as a transition phrase.
Conclusion
Mastering the various ways to say speaking of that in Spanish will significantly improve your conversational fluency and help you sound more like a native speaker. Whether you choose hablando de eso, a propósito, por cierto, or hablando de otra cosa depends on the context and your personal preference, but all these phrases are valuable tools for smooth transitions in Spanish conversations. Practice using these phrases in your daily Spanish interactions, and you’ll find that your conversations flow more naturally. Remember to observe how native speakers use these transitions, and don’t hesitate to incorporate them into your speaking practice for faster improvement in your Spanish language journey.
