an|sprechen
Translation
to address, to speak to, to approach, to appeal to
Examples
Es ist schwer, sie anzusprechen.
It is difficult to approach her.
Das Thema ist wichtig anzusprechen.
It is important to address the topic.
Die Werbung soll junge Leute ansprechen.
The advertisement should appeal to young people.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) ((about sth.)) to bring sth. up with sb. He brought the problem up with me.
((sb.)) to approach sb., to speak to sb. She approached him on the street.
((sth.)) to address sth., to mention sth. He addressed the topic in the meeting.
Similar Words
sich wenden an (to turn to); Antonyms: ignorieren (to ignore), schweigen (to be silent)
Etymology
From the prefix 'an-' (at, towards) + 'sprechen' (to speak). Literally 'to speak at/to'.
Memory Tips
Imagine you 'speak at' (ansprechen) someone to get their attention or to address an issue.