speak

1

I need to speak my teacher after class.
I need to speak to my teacher after class.

Use speak to + person when you want to have a conversation: ‘Can I speak to you for a minute?’ Speak with + person is also possible, especially in more formal situations. Do not put the person directly after speak with this meaning.

2

My sister talks French very well.
My sister speaks French very well.

Use speak, not talk, with the name of a language: ‘He speaks English and Spanish.’ You do not need in before the language name.

See our vocabulary lesson on say, tell, speak and talk.

See TALK