quiero decirte algo
/kjeɾo deθiɾte alɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I want to tell you something" is expressed in Spanish as quiero decirte algo.
A phrase used to introduce a piece of information or a thought that the speaker wishes to share.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quiero (I want), decir (to tell/say), te (to you) and algo (something).
Which one should you use?
The phrase quiero decirte algo uses the verb decir (to tell/say), whereas quiero contarte algo would imply telling a story or recounting an event.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the pronoun te can be placed either attached to the end of the infinitive decirte or as a separate word before the conjugated verb quiero. To change the phrase from the informal 'you' to the formal 'you', replace the indirect object pronoun te with le.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo deθiɾte alɡo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, starting a conversation with quiero decirte algo followed by a long pause can signal a confession of love or a serious relationship talk.
- The verb decir shares a common ancient root with the English word 'dictate'. This linguistic connection explains why 'diction' and 'dictionary' both relate to the act of saying or speaking.
- If a speaker says quiero decir… without the te algo, it often functions as a filler phrase similar to 'I mean' or 'that is to say' in English. This shifts the meaning from sharing information to clarifying a previous statement.
Examples in context
- Quiero decirte algo raro.I want to tell you something strange.This example shows how to use quiero decirte algo when describing something strange.Tatoeba #460870 by Shishir, translation #460467 by Swift
- ¡Espere! Quiero decirte algo.Wait! I want to tell you something.This example shows how to use quiero decirte algo after a command to wait.Tatoeba #9126977 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #12890699 by araneo
- Quiero decirte algo importante.I want to tell you something important.This example shows how to use quiero decirte algo when the information is important.Tatoeba #974843 by Shishir, translation #953695 by CK
- Antes de comenzar la reunión, quiero decirte algo importante.Before we start the meeting, I want to tell you something important.
- Me gustaría comentarte algo acerca del proyecto que estamos desarrollando.I would like to tell you something about the project we're developing.
- ¡Oye, quiero contarte algo emocionante que me pasó hoy!Hey, I want to tell you something exciting that happened to me today!
- Mañana nos vemos para tomar café. Tengo algo importante que decirte.Let's meet for coffee tomorrow. I have something important to tell you.
Example conversation
Javier approaches María in a quiet park to talk.
- JavierMaría, quiero decirte algo.María, I want to tell you something.
- María¿Qué pasa, Javier?What's happening, Javier?
- JavierMe voy a mudar de ciudad.I am moving to another city.
- María¡No lo puedo creer!I can't believe it!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
