US Medical Term · symptoms
Speech Difficulty
Dificultad para hablar
Also: Trastorno del habla (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Speech Difficulty |
| Spanish (Español) | Dificultad para hablar |
| Chinese (中文) | 言語困難 |
| Korean (한국어) | 언어 장애 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Khó nói |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Hirap magsalita |
| Portuguese (Português) | Dificuldade de fala |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | พูดลำบาก |
| Japanese (日本語) | 言語障害 |
What it means
Speech difficulty refers to trouble finding words, forming sentences, or expressing thoughts verbally. It may involve slow or halting speech, inability to recall the right words (aphasia), or speaking in confused or garbled phrases. Sudden onset of speech difficulty — especially combined with facial drooping, arm weakness, severe headache, or vision changes — is a medical emergency and a key stroke warning sign. Call 911 immediately. Other causes of speech difficulty include Parkinson's disease, dementia, ALS, brain tumors, and medication side effects. If speech difficulty develops gradually or intermittently, schedule an urgent evaluation with your doctor to identify and treat the underlying cause.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I am having trouble finding the right words to say, even though I know what I want to express.
Tengo dificultad para encontrar las palabras correctas, aunque sé lo que quiero expresar.
My husband suddenly cannot speak — he opens his mouth but no words come out clearly.
Mi esposo de repente no puede hablar; abre la boca pero no le salen palabras con claridad.
I can understand everything but when I try to speak the words come out wrong.
Puedo entender todo, pero cuando intento hablar las palabras me salen mal.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R47 Speech disturbances, not elsewhere classifiedRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026