Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| si tú lo dices | /si tu lo diθes/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /si tu lo dises/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| si vos lo decís | /si bos lo deθis/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /si bos lo desis/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
This phrase is used to express skepticism or a lack of conviction in the other person's statement without directly arguing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase si tú lo dices is composed of si (if), tú (you), lo (it) and dices (you say).
Which one should you use?
While si tú lo dices is the standard, several variations exist depending on the level of formality and regional dialect.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Rioplatense Spanish, which is primarily spoken in Argentina and Uruguay, the form si vos lo decís is used instead of si tú lo dices. Specifically in Argentina, you might also hear Si vos decís or Si eso decís. In Mexico, the phrase Si así lo dices, pues is also common.
How does it change in a sentence?
In natural speech, the pronoun tú is often omitted, resulting in the shorter form si lo dices.
How do you pronounce it?
/si tu lo diθes/
Did you know?
- The word tú is a distant relative of the archaic English word 'thou'. Both descended from the same Proto-Indo-European root for the second person singular.
- In a heated argument, saying si lo dices with a rising intonation can function as a challenge rather than a reluctant agreement, effectively meaning 'prove it'.
- The pronoun lo in si tú lo dices functions as a 'neuter' pronoun. It represents a general concept or a previous statement rather than a specific masculine object.
Examples in context
- Si tú lo dices.If you say so.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase si tú lo dices.Tatoeba #2443027 by fgreco, translation #1461968 by Spamster
- No estoy de acuerdo, pero si tú lo dices.I don't agree, but if you say so.
- Parece extraño, pero si tú lo dices, te creo.It seems strange, but if you say so, I believe you.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a difficult decision at work.
- DanielCreo que es la mejor opción para el proyecto.I think it is the best option for the project.
- ElenaNo estoy segura, pero si tú lo dices, lo intentaremos.I'm not sure, but if you say so, we will try it.
- DanielConfía en mí, Elena, funcionará.Trust me, Elena, it will work.
- ElenaEstá bien, Daniel, hagámoslo.Alright, Daniel, let's do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “if you say so” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lo, si, tú, vos, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
