Welcome to our guide on how to say “say” in Portuguese! Whether you’re planning a trip to Portugal or simply brushing up on your language skills, it’s essential to learn this versatile and frequently used verb. In this article, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to express “say” in Portuguese, while also sharing some regional variations. So, let’s dive right into it!
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Formal Ways to Say “Say” in Portuguese
When you want to use a more formal tone or address someone with respect in Portuguese, there are several options to express the English verb “say.” Here are some examples:
1. Dizer
The most common translation for “say” in Portuguese is “dizer.” This verb is widely used in both spoken and written language. Let’s see how it can be used:
Eu digo que preciso de ajuda. (I say that I need help.)
O professor diz que a resposta está errada. (The professor says that the answer is wrong.)
2. Expressar
If you want to add a touch of formality or emphasize the act of expression, you can use “expressar” to convey “say” in Portuguese:
Ele expressou sua opinião sobre o assunto. (He expressed his opinion on the matter.)
Ela expressa sua gratidão por sua ajuda. (She expresses her gratitude for your help.)
Informal Ways to Say “Say” in Portuguese
When you’re in a more casual setting or talking to friends and family, you can use different expressions to say “say.” Check out these informal alternatives:
1. Falar
“Falar” is a versatile verb that can mean both “to speak” and “to say.” It’s perfect for informal situations:
Eu falo que você é meu melhor amigo. (I say that you’re my best friend.)
Não fale isso para ninguém! (Don’t say that to anyone!)
2. Contar
Another informal option is to use “contar,” which translates to “to tell” or “to say” in the context of conveying information:
Posso te contar um segredo? (Can I tell you a secret?)
Ela contou que vai viajar para o Brasil. (She said that she is going to travel to Brazil.)
Regional Variations
Portuguese is spoken in various countries and regions around the world, which can lead to some variations in vocabulary and expressions. Let’s explore a couple of these regional differences:
1. In Portugal
In Portugal, it is more common to use the verb “dizer” for “say” in both formal and informal situations:
Ele disse que gosta do novo restaurante. (He said that he likes the new restaurant.)
Diz-me o que pensas sobre o filme. (Tell me what you think about the movie.)
2. In Brazil
In Brazil, you may come across some unique expressions for “say” that are not as widely used in other Portuguese-speaking countries. One of them is “falar” (to speak/say):
Você tá falando sério? (Are you being serious?)
O que ele falou sobre o projeto? (What did he say about the project?)
While these regional variations exist, it’s important to note that Portuguese speakers from different regions can still understand each other quite easily.
Final Tips for Using “Say” in Portuguese
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you master the usage of “say” in Portuguese:
- Use “dizer” when you’re quoting someone or expressing opinions: “Eu disse: ‘Ele é um ótimo cantor.'” (I said, ‘He is a great singer.’)
- Use “falar” when talking about speaking languages or communicating vocally: “Eu falo inglês fluentemente.” (I speak English fluently.)
- Remember to conjugate the verbs according to the subject: “Ele diz”, “Nós falamos”, “Ela disse”, etc.
- Practice using “dizer” and “falar” in conversations to reinforce your understanding of context and appropriate usage.
Now that you have learned the formal and informal ways to say “say” in Portuguese, along with a couple of regional variations, you are well-equipped to communicate effectively in the language. Remember, language learning is a journey, so keep practicing and exploring new vocabulary and phrases. Have fun on your Portuguese learning adventure!
