digo
/ˈdiɡo/
digo is the Spanish word for "I say" or "I am saying".
The primary use of digo is as the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb to say or tell. In spoken Spanish, it also serves a colloquial purpose as a filler or self-correction particle, functioning much like the English phrase "I mean" when a speaker wants to correct themselves mid-sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
digo is the first-person singular present indicative of the irregular verb decir.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈdiɡo/
Did you know?
- Because it comes from the Latin dīcō, digo is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'edict', which refers to an official proclamation.
- In some dialects, particularly in the Caribbean, the final 'o' in digo can be shortened or dropped in rapid speech, making it sound like dig'.
- While digo means 'I say', the Spanish language has no single word that perfectly captures the English 'to tell' in every context, often alternating between decir and contar.
Examples in context
- No, digo, sí.No, I mean, yes.
- Siempre digo la verdad.I always tell the truth.
- No digo nada en clase.I don't say anything in class.
- Te digo lo que pasó.I'm telling you what happened.
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a plan for the weekend.
- JavierDigo que vayamos al cine.I say we go to the cinema.
- MaríaNo me gusta esa idea.I don't like that idea.
- JavierEntonces, ¿qué prefieres tú, María?Then, what do you prefer, María?
- MaríaPrefiero ir al parque.I prefer to go to the park.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry digo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries digo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
