Verb · A1 · Spanish glossary
Decir: to say, to tell
decir
Pronunciation: deh-SEER (stress the capital letters)
Decir means “to say, to tell” in English.
Quick answer
- Meaning: to say, to tell
- How to say it: deh-SEER
- Present: yo digo, tú dices
- Level: Beginner (A1)
What “decir” means and how to use it
Decir means “to say” or “to tell.” It is used for reporting words, giving information, and naming things.
How to conjugate “decir”
| Who | Spanish | English |
|---|---|---|
| yo | digo | I |
| tú | dices | you (informal) |
| él, ella, usted | dice | he, she, you (formal) |
| nosotros | decimos | we |
| ellos, ustedes | dicen | they, you all |
| Past (preterite) | yo dije, él dijo | I / he or she |
| Past participle | dicho | used with haber |
Examples with audio
- Dime la verdad.Tell me the truth.
- ¿Qué dices?What are you saying?
- Mi madre dice que viene tarde.My mother says that she is coming late.
Usage tip
Say “dime” for “tell me” and “dímelo” for “tell it to me.” Use “es decir” to mean “that is to say.”
Frequently asked questions
How do you say “to say, to tell” in Spanish?
“to say, to tell” in Spanish is “decir.” It is pronounced deh-SEER, with the stress on the syllable in capital letters.
How do you pronounce “decir”?
Say deh-SEER. The syllable in capital letters gets the stress. Press the speaker button at the top of this page to hear it.
What is the past tense of “decir”?
In the preterite, “yo” is “dije” and “él” is “dijo.” The past participle is “dicho.”
Practice “decir” for free
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