cómo se dice
/komo se diθe/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "how do you say" is cómo se dice.
This phrase is used to ask for the translation of a specific word or expression. When you want to specify the language you are asking about, use the preposition en, such as in ¿Cómo se dice esto en español? (How do you say this in Spanish?).
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, cómo se dice translates to "how is it said".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes based on what you are asking about. While cómo se dice is used for a single item, you should use cómo se dicen if you are asking how multiple things are said, ensuring the verb matches the plural subject.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use the direct "tú" form ¿Cómo dices…? to mean "how do you say". Instead, use the impersonal reflexive form ¿Cómo se dice…? when asking for a general translation.
Did you know?
- Because cómo se dice is so common for learners, some native speakers will playfully respond to it by answering in a third language to tease the student.
- If you use the phrase ¿Cómo se dice? with a rising intonation but no object, it can act as a prompt for someone else to finish their sentence or provide a word they are struggling to find.
- The word cómo comes from the Latin 'cōmō̆', which was a non-literary, colloquial version of the formal Latin word 'quōmodo'.
Examples in context
- ¿Cómo se dice eso?How do you say that?This sentence shows how to ask how to say "that".Tatoeba #1429403 by marcelostockle, translation #759355 by vgigregg
- ¿Cómo se dice esta palabra?How do you say this word?This sentence shows how to ask how to say "this word".Tatoeba #7056470 by tulakalbeyo, translation #387499 by Mouseneb
- ¿Cómo se dice XXX en inglés?How do you say XXX in English?This sentence demonstrates how to ask how to say something in English using the preposition en.Tatoeba #9434889 by ignacio, translation #3789754 by Ricardo14
- Se dice "hola".It is said "hola".
- Se dice "voy".It is said "voy".
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are studying Spanish together at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Cómo se dice 'apple' en español?How do you say 'apple' in Spanish?
- MateoSe dice 'manzana'.It is said 'manzana'.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo.Thanks, Mateo.
- MateoDe nada, Lucía.You're welcome, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
