tengo algo que decirte
/tenɡo alɡo ke deθiɾte/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I have something to tell you" is translated into Spanish as tengo algo que decirte.
This phrase is used to introduce a piece of information or a secret to another person.
Which one should you use?
While tengo algo que decirte is a standard way to express this, you might use Tengo algo que contarte in informal settings or Necesito hablar contigo if you want to say "I need to talk to you" informally. For a more formal approach, such as when making a confession, you can say Quisiera hacerle una confesión.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form tengo algo que decirte uses the indirect object pronoun te, which is appropriate when addressing someone as tú. To address someone formally as usted, change the ending to tengo algo que decirle. If you are addressing a group of people, use the plural form tengo algo que decirles.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo alɡo ke deθiɾte/
Did you know?
- While decir means 'to say', the common alternative contar used in tengo algo que contarte literally means 'to count'. In this context, it refers to recounting a story or a narrative.
- The word que in your phrase is a linguistic wanderer. Although it acts as a conjunction meaning 'that', it actually evolved from the Latin 'quid', meaning 'what', and is a distant cognate of the English word 'who'.
- In social situations, starting with Tengo algo que decirte followed by a long, intentional silence acts as a non-verbal warning. This pause signals to the listener that the upcoming news is heavy, serious, or life-changing.
Examples in context
- Tengo algo que decirte.I have something to tell you.This sentence shows the basic use of tengo algo que decirte.Tatoeba #578901 by Shishir, translation #17430 by CK
- Por cierto, tengo algo que decirte.By the way, I have something to tell you.This sentence shows how to use tengo algo que decirte with the phrase for "by the way".Tatoeba #560536 by Shishir, translation #38067 by Eldad
- Oh, por cierto, tengo algo que decirte.Oh, by the way, I have something to tell you.This sentence shows the use of tengo algo que decirte with "oh, by the way".Tatoeba #1903574 by marcelostockle, translation #1898285 by CK
- Tengo algo que decirte. Hay una reunión importante mañana a las 9 de la mañana en la oficina.I have something to tell you. There is an important meeting tomorrow at 9 in the morning in the office.
- Tengo algo que contarte. Esta noche vamos a celebrar tu cumpleaños en mi casa, ¡prepárate para una gran fiesta!I have something to tell you. Tonight we are going to celebrate your birthday at my house, get ready for a great party!
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are sitting in a quiet cafe.
- SofíaAlejandro, tengo algo que decirte.Alejandro, I have something to tell you.
- Alejandro¿Qué pasa, Sofía? Pareces nerviosa.What's wrong, Sofía? You look nervous.
- SofíaMe han dado el trabajo de mis sueños.I got my dream job.
- Alejandro¡En serio! ¡Qué buena noticia!Really! That's great news!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries algo, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
