dizer
/d͡ʒiˈze(ʁ)/
In Portuguese, the English phrase 'say' can be translated as dizer or falar.
Meaning: to communicate verbally or in writing (verb)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| dizer | /d͡ʒiˈze(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /d͡ʒiˈze(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
| falar | /faˈla(ʁ)/ (Brazil) /faˈla(ɾ)/ (São Paulo) |
dizer is used to communicate specific content, words or a message. The phrase quer dizer is a common way to say 'means' or 'it implies' when you are explaining the definition or intent of a word or a situation.
Which one should you use?
The choice between the two forms depends on your focus. Use dizer when the focus is on the specific content or the exact words being communicated. Use falar when the focus is on the general act of talking, having a conversation or the ability to speak a language.
How does it change in a sentence?
The third-person singular past tense of dizer is disse, and the gerund form (meaning 'saying') is dizendo.
How do you pronounce it?
/dʒiˈze(ʁ)/
Did you know?
- In Brazil, it is common to use the phrase fala sério to express disbelief or annoyance, similar to saying 'you've got to be kidding'.
- The verb dizer actually shares its ancient roots with the act of 'pointing' or 'showing' rather than just speaking.
- The word falar is a relative of the English word 'fable', as both descend from the Latin fabulārī meaning 'to chat'.
Examples in context
- O que vou dizer?What am I going to say?This sentence shows how to use dizer to express what one is going to say.Tatoeba #6781826 by Ricardo14, translation #3738886 by CK
- Tem algo a dizer?Do you have something to say?This sentence uses dizer to ask if someone has something to say.Tatoeba #1532864 by alexmarcelo, translation #500454 by darinmex
- Tom quer dizer oi.Tom wants to say hello.This sentence uses dizer to indicate someone wants to say a specific word.Tatoeba #4276289 by ajdavidl, translation #2546329 by CK
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- Você tá falando sério?Are you being serious?
- O que ele falou sobre o projeto?What did he say about the project?
- Eu disse: 'Ele é um ótimo cantor.'I said, 'He is a great singer.'
- Eu falo inglês fluentemente.I speak English fluently.
- 804 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Beatriz are talking in a living room.
- LucasO que você quer dizer?What do you want to say?
- BeatrizQuero dizer que estou cansada.I want to say that I am tired.
- LucasVocê pode dizer a verdade.You can tell the truth.
- BeatrizEu vou dizer tudo para você.I will say everything to you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “say” translations and entries dizer, falar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dizer, falar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
