decir
/deˈθiɾ/
To say in Spanish is decir.
The verb decir is used to communicate something verbally or in writing. It is used in common idiomatic expressions such as decir la verdad to mean 'to tell the truth'.
Meaning: to communicate verbally or in writing (verb)
Which one should you use?
While English distinguishes between the verbs 'say' and 'tell', the Spanish verb decir is used for both 'to say something' and 'to tell someone something'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
decir is a highly irregular verb in its stem and endings. For example, the present subjunctive form is diga and the past participle is the irregular dicho, which is used to form perfect tenses. In the present indicative, the second person singular form is dices and the first person singular preterite (past tense) form is dije.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈθiɾ/
Did you know?
- The irregular form diga is frequently used in the imperative to give polite commands, such as diga when answering the telephone in Spain to mean 'Hello?' or 'Speak, please'.
- The word decir actually comes from a root meaning 'to show' or 'to point out'. In its earliest forms, it was more about physical demonstration than just using spoken words.
- The past participle dicho has evolved into a common noun in Spanish. The phrase el dicho refers to a proverb or a popular folk saying.
Examples in context
- Ni sé qué decir.I don't even know what to say.This example shows how to use decir when expressing a lack of words.Tatoeba #3457147 by cueyayotl, translation #2658143 by Hybrid
- ¿Qué va a decir?What is he going to say?This example uses decir to ask about someone's future speech.Tatoeba #10221254 by Seael, translation #9091605 by Nylez
- ¿Qué vas a decir?What will you say?This example uses decir to ask about what someone will say.Tatoeba #4551455 by Shishir, translation #2877541 by CK
- El profesor dijo que debemos estudiar para el examen.The professor said we must study for the exam
- Dime qué piensas sobre este tema.Tell me what you think about this topic
- La científica afirmó que el experimento fue exitoso.The scientist affirmed that the experiment was successful
- ¿Qué dice Juan?What does Juan say?
- Dices que vas a salir esta noche, ¿verdad?You say you're going out tonight, right?
- Marta comentó que Mark está buscando un nuevo trabajo.Marta mentioned that Mark is looking for a new job
- ¡Comentan que Lidia y Juan están saliendo juntos!They say/rumor has it that Lidia y Juan are dating!
- Mi amiga me contó una historia graciosa hoy.My friend told me a funny story today
- ¿Me cuentas qué harás en tus vacaciones?Can you tell me what you're going to do on your vacation?
- 730 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a secret.
- DanielNo quiero decir la verdad ahora.I don't want to say the truth now.
- Sofía¿Por qué no quieres decirla, Daniel?Why don't you want to say it, Daniel?
- DanielEs mejor decir eso más tarde.It is better to say that later.
- SofíaEstá bien, Sofía puede esperar.That is fine, Sofía can wait.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “say” translations and entries decir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries decir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
