Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “he told me” in Spanish! Whether you are looking to communicate informally or formally and regardless of any regional variations, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will explore various phrases, tips, and examples to help you navigate this common expression seamlessly.
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Formal Ways to Say “He Told Me” in Spanish
When it comes to formal situations, such as speaking with superiors, using formal language is essential in Spanish. Here are some phrases you can use:
1. Él me dijo
Él me dijo que llegaría tarde a la reunión. (He told me he would be late for the meeting.)
The phrase “Él me dijo” is a direct translation of “He told me.” It is a straightforward and commonly used expression in formal situations. Remember to pay attention to the verb tense, as it should match the context of the conversation.
2. Me informó él
Me informó él sobre el cambio de planes. (He informed me about the change of plans.)
This alternative phrase, “Me informó él,” is slightly more formal and can be used interchangeably with “Él me dijo” to convey the same meaning.
Informal Ways to Say “He Told Me” in Spanish
When conversing with friends, family, or colleagues in a casual setting, you can use more relaxed expressions to say “he told me.” Here are some common informal phrases:
1. Me dijo
¡Oye, me dijo que vamos a salir este fin de semana! (Hey, he told me we’re going out this weekend!)
“Me dijo” is the go-to phrase when you want to convey that someone shared information with you in an informal setting. This expression is widely understood and used across Spanish-speaking regions.
2. Me contó
Me contó sobre su nuevo trabajo en la entrevista. (He told me about his new job in the interview.)
“Me contó” is an alternative phrase that can be used in casual conversations. It carries a sense of someone sharing or recounting information to you.
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken across various regions, each with its own distinctive vocabulary and expressions. While the previous phrases are understood by Spanish speakers worldwide, here are some regional variations:
1. Latin American Variation
Él me chiveó que iba a llegar tarde. (He let me know he would be late.) – Caribbean Spanish
In some Latin American countries, particularly those in the Caribbean, the phrase “Él me chiveó” is used to mean “He told me” in an informal context. This variation might not be as familiar to Spanish speakers from other regions, so use it wisely.
2. European Variation
Me dijo eso por la letra. (He spelled it out to me.) – European Spanish
In European Spanish, particularly in Spain, you may encounter the phrase “Me dijo eso por la letra.” While it conveys the same meaning, the additional mention of “por la letra” gives it a distinct regional touch.
Tips and Tricks for Using “He Told Me” in Spanish
Now that you have a good grasp of the various phrases, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your usage of “he told me” in Spanish:
1. Pay Attention to Verb Conjugation
When using the phrases, make sure the verb tense matches the context. Use the appropriate past tense such as “dijo” (said) or “informó” (informed) depending on the situation.
2. Adapt the Subject Pronoun
Feel free to adjust the subject pronoun to suit the gender and number of people involved. For example, if a woman told you something, you can say “Ella me dijo” (She told me).
3. Consider the Register
Remember that formal phrases should be used in professional or respectful contexts. Informal expressions, on the other hand, are perfect for casual conversations with friends and family.
Examples of Conversations Using “He Told Me” in Spanish
Let’s look at a few examples of how “he told me” can be used in everyday conversations:
Example 1:
María: ¡Me dijo que ganamos el premio mayor de la lotería!
Luis: ¡No puedo creerlo! ¿Cuánto dinero ganamos?
María: Dos millones de dólares. ¡Es increíble!
(Translation: María: He told me we won the lottery jackpot!
Luis: I can’t believe it! How much money did we win?
María: Two million dollars! It’s unbelievable!)
Example 2:
Santiago: Me dijo que va a llover esta tarde. Lleva un paraguas contigo.
Carla: Gracias por avisarme, llevaré uno en mi bolso.
(Translation: Santiago: He told me it’s going to rain this afternoon. Take an umbrella with you.
Carla: Thanks for letting me know, I’ll bring one in my bag.)
These examples illustrate how “he told me” is incorporated into conversations, whether formal or informal.
Conclusion
By now, you should feel confident when it comes to saying “he told me” in Spanish. Understanding the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, as well as regional variations, will help you navigate various Spanish-speaking contexts effectively. Remember to adapt your language based on the situation, matching the register and conjugating the verbs correctly. Practice using these phrases in conversations to strengthen your language skills. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
