sé lo que dices
/se lo ke diθes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I know what you're saying" is translated into Spanish as sé lo que dices.
This phrase is used to show that you understand the words or the point someone is making. You might use sé lo que estás diciendo if you want to more closely mirror the continuous aspect of the English "are saying". While sé lo que dices focuses on the knowledge of the actual words being spoken, you can also use entiendo lo que dices to emphasize your comprehension of the underlying meaning or logic.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of sé (I know), lo que (that which/what) and dices (you say).
Which one should you use?
Sé lo que dices focuses on the knowledge of the words, whereas entiendo lo que dices emphasizes the comprehension of the meaning or logic behind them. You can also use Capté la idea as an informal way to express that you have captured the idea or concept.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a single person formally, change the verb from dices to dice to form sé lo que dice. If you are addressing a group of people, use dicen instead of dices to form sé lo que dicen.
How do you pronounce it?
/se lo ke diθes/
Did you know?
- A listener might respond with te sigo to show they know what you are saying, which literally means 'I am following you'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, people may repeatedly say ya, ya while you are speaking to signal they already know what you are saying.
- The word que in this phrase is a direct descendant of the Latin quid, which is a distant linguistic relative of the English word 'who'.
Examples in context
- Entiendo lo que dices. Estoy de acuerdo contigoI understand what you're saying. I agree with you
- Comprendo lo que estás diciendo. Es una situación complicadaI comprehend what you're saying. It's a complicated situation
- Sé lo que dices, pero no estoy de acuerdo.I know what you're saying, but I don't agree.
- Sé lo que dices sobre el nuevo proyecto.I know what you're saying about the new project.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing a difficult decision at work.
- JavierSé lo que dices, Sofía, es un problema difícil.I know what you're saying, Sofía, it is a difficult problem.
- SofíaGracias, Javier, me alegra que me entiendas.Thank you, Javier, I am glad that you understand me.
- Javier¿Quieres que busquemos una solución juntos?Do you want us to look for a solution together?
- SofíaSí, eso sería de mucha ayuda.Yes, that would be a lot of help.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, que, sé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
