Tengo que decirte algo
/tenɡo ke deθiɾte alɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I need to tell you something" is translated into Spanish as Tengo que decirte algo.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of tengo (I have), que (that/to), decirte (to tell you) and algo (something).
Which one should you use?
Tengo que decirte algo is the informal way to address someone.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, Quiero platicarte algo is a common way to express "I want to tell you something".
How does it change in a sentence?
The construction tener que + infinitive is used to express necessity or obligation, equivalent to "to have to" or "need to" in English. The word decirte is a combination of the infinitive decir (to tell) and the indirect object pronoun te (you).
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo ke deθiɾte alɡo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, starting a conversation with Tengo que decirte algo can be a social 'red flag' that signals bad news or a serious confession.
- The word algo comes from the Latin aliquod, which is also the ancestor of the English word 'aliquot' used in mathematics.
- The phrase Tengo que decirte algo can be transformed into a question by simply raising your pitch at the end, turning it into 'Do I need to tell you something?'
Examples in context
- Oye, necesito decirte algo.Hey, I need to tell you something
- Tengo que contarte algo importante.I have to tell you something important
- Tengo que decirte algo importante.I need to tell you something important.
- Tengo que decirte algo sobre el viaje.I need to tell you something about the trip.
- Oye, tengo que decirte algo.Hey, I need to tell you something.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are sitting in a quiet cafe.
- LucíaJavier, tengo que decirte algo.Javier, I need to tell you something.
- Javier¿Qué pasa? Pareces nerviosa.What's happening? You seem nervous.
- LucíaEs que me voy a mudar de ciudad.It's just that I am moving to another city.
- JavierNo puede ser, te voy a extrañar.No way, I am going to miss you.
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.
