solo dime
/solo dime/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "just tell me" is solo dime.
This phrase is used to request that someone give information or an answer directly and without further delay. While focusing on the act of speaking, it is often used to imply a desire for brevity or directness, similar to the English 'just tell me'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of solo (only/just) and dime (tell me), which is a combination of the imperative verb di (tell) and the indirect object pronoun me (me).
Which one should you use?
Other forms include Solo dígame (formal), Dime nomás (informal) and Sólo dímelo (informal).
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form solo dime uses the informal tú imperative and is used with friends, family or people your own age. To use this phrase in a formal or polite context, you should use the form solo dígame to match the formal usted-based imperative.
How do you pronounce it?
/solo dime/
Did you know?
- While dime is a command, it is frequently used as a polite greeting when answering the phone or when someone calls your name. In these cases, it functions as 'Yes, I am listening' rather than a demand for information.
- The word solo shares the same Latin root as the English word 'solo' used in music. Both derive from the Latin sōlus, meaning 'alone' or 'sole'.
- In many parts of Latin America, particularly Argentina and Uruguay, you might hear someone say dime nomás instead of using solo. The word nomás is often used as a filler to soften a command, making the request sound less aggressive.
Examples in context
- Solo dime lo que pasa.Just tell me what happens.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase solo dime in the context of what is happening.Tatoeba #4317961 by pchamorro, translation #3129488 by CK
- Solo dime lo que quieres.Just tell me what you want.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase solo dime in the context of what someone wants.Tatoeba #2265151 by Shishir, translation #1888640 by Spamster
- Si te da sueño, solo dime.If you get sleepy, just tell me.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase solo dime when providing instructions or conditions.Tatoeba #6705705 by UsuarioX, translation #4525579 by CK
- Señor, solo dígame la fecha exacta de la reunión.Sir, just tell me the exact date of the meeting.
- Oye, dime nomás si vas a venir a la fiesta.Hey, just tell me if you're coming to the party.
- Dime simplemente qué necesitas que haga.Just tell me what you need me to do.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are talking about a secret Mateo is keeping.
- MaríaNo me ocultes nada, solo dime la verdad.Don't hide anything from me, just tell me the truth.
- MateoEs que no sé cómo decírtelo, María.It's just that I don't know how to tell you, María.
- MaríaSolo dime si estás enojado conmigo.Just tell me if you are angry with me.
- MateoNo, no estoy enojado, te lo prometo.No, I'm not angry, I promise you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries solo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
