como dizer
/ˈkõ.mu d͡ʒiˈze(ʁ)/word by word
The English phrase "how to say" is translated into Portuguese as como dizer.
You use como dizer when you are asking for the translation or the correct expression of a specific word or idea. When using this phrase to ask for a translation, you typically follow it with the word you are inquiring about in quotes, followed by the preposition em and the target language (for example, como dizerX" em português").
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of como, which means "how" and the infinitive dizer, which means "to say".
How does it change in a sentence?
While como dizer is a common way to express the phrase, you may also use the reflexive form como se diz. This version translates to "how one says" or "how it is said" and is frequently used when asking for the general way a word is expressed.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkõ.mu dʒiˈze(ʁ)/. It has three syllables, and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- Portuguese has a unique word, saudade, that is frequently the subject of como dizer because it has no single-word translation in English.
- The word dizer actually comes from a root meaning 'to show' or 'to point out'.
- In some regional dialects, the pronunciation of the final 'r' in dizer is dropped entirely, making the word sound like dize.
Examples in context
- Eu nem sei como dizer "obrigado" em francês.I don't even know how to say "thank you" in French.This sentence shows how to use como dizer to express a lack of knowledge regarding a translation.Tatoeba #8082188 by Mecamute, translation #6125959 by CK
- Queria saber como dizer 'obrigado' em francês.I wanted to know how to say "thank you" in French.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to know the translation of a word.Tatoeba #8238741 by josivangoncalves, translation #6340132 by CK
- Eu não me lembro mais como dizer "obrigado" em alemão.I can't remember how to say "Thank you" in German.This sentence demonstrates how to use como dizer when you cannot remember a specific translation.Tatoeba #1001966 by alexmarcelo, translation #38956 by CN
- O ambiente deste café é acolhedorThe atmosphere of this café is welcoming
- A vibe desta cidade é contagianteThe atmosphere of this city is contagious
- Aquela festa tinha uma aura incrívelThat party had an incredible atmosphere
- O clima dessa cidade é muito descontraídoThe atmosphere of this city is very relaxed
- A pegada desse show é animadaThe atmosphere of this concert is lively
- Visitando esse antigo castelo, você pode sentir a história no ambienteVisiting this ancient castle, you can feel the history in the atmosphere
- 1 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felipe and Mariana are studying together at a cafe.
- FelipeMariana, você sabe como dizer 'apple' em português?Mariana, do you know how to say 'apple' in Portuguese?
- MarianaSim, é 'maçã'.Yes, it is 'maçã'.
- FelipeE como dizer 'book'?And how to say 'book'?
- MarianaDizemos 'livro'.We say 'livro'.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (como, dizer) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries como, dizer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
