Learning how to express yourself in different tenses is crucial when trying to communicate effectively in Spanish. In this guide, we’ll explore how to say the verb “decir” (to say/tell) in the past tense. We’ll provide you with formal and informal ways of using this verb, while also offering tips, examples, and discuss any regional variations when necessary.
Table of Contents
Formal Past Tense of “Decir”
When speaking formally, you would use the following conjugations of “decir” in the past tense:
Conjugation in the Preterite Tense
The preterite tense is commonly used to express actions or events that occurred at a specific time in the past. Here are the formal conjugations of “decir” in the preterite tense:
- Yo dije – I said/told
- Tú dijiste – You said/told (informal singular)
- Él/Ella/Usted dijo – He/She/You (formal) said/told
- Nosotros/Nosotras dijimos – We said/told
- Vosotros/Vosotras dijisteis – You all said/told (informal plural, Spain only)
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes dijeron – They/You all (formal) said/told
Examples:
Él dijo que vendría más tarde. (He said he would come later.)
La profesora dijo la respuesta correcta. (The teacher said the correct answer.)
Nosotras dijimos que era peligroso. (We said it was dangerous.)
Informal Past Tense Informal of “Decir”
In informal situations, the Spanish language often has different conjugations for verbs. Here’s how you would say “decir” in informal past tense:
Conjugation in the Preterite Tense
The preterite tense in its informal form is used in friendly conversations and with family and friends. Here are the informal conjugations of “decir” in the preterite tense:
- Yo dije – I said/told
- Tú dijiste – You said/told
- Él/Ella/Usted dijo – He/She/You (formal) said/told
- Nosotros/Nosotras dijimos – We said/told
- Vosotros/Vosotras dijisteis – You all said/told (only in Spain)
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes dijeron – They/You all (formal) said/told
Examples:
Tú dijiste que vendrías a la fiesta. (You said you would come to the party.)
Ellos dijeron que era el mejor restaurante. (They said it was the best restaurant.)
Nosotros dijimos la verdad. (We told the truth.)
Using “Decir” in Different Regions
While Spanish is widely spoken across various regions, there can be slight differences in vocabulary and verb conjugation. Here’s a brief overview of regional variations when using “decir” in the past tense:
- Spain: In Spain, the use of the second-person plural form for informal communication is common. The conjugation “vosotros/vosotras dijisteis” is used instead of “ustedes dijeron.”
Conclusion
Mastering the past tense for the verb “decir” allows you to express yourself accurately in Spanish. Whether you’re using it formally or informally, the conjugations and examples provided in this guide should help you build confidence in using “decir” in the past tense. Remember to adapt your conjugations based on the context and regional variations you might encounter. Keep practicing and soon, using “decir” in the past tense will become second nature to you!
