言って
itte
In Japanese, "say it" is expressed as 言って (itte).
言って is a simple and common way to say "say it" in everyday conversation. It is used when you want someone to speak or tell you something.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
言って is an informal form. If you want to make the request more polite or formal, you should add ください after it to form 言ってください (please say it). While 言って focuses on the act of speaking, you might also use 教えて (tell me / let me know) when you are specifically seeking information or advice from someone you are close to.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 言って is the te-form of the verb 言う (to say), used here as a casual imperative or request.
How do you pronounce it?
itte
Did you know?
- While 言って requests speech, Japanese culture values ishin-denshin, the art of communicating through heart-to-heart connection without using any words at all.
- The compound verb 言い切る (iikiru) combines the root of 言って with a word for 'cutting', meaning to say something so definitively that it leaves no room for doubt.
- The verb root 言う forms the word 言うこと (iu koto), which refers not just to 'the things one says' but also to 'one's behavior'.
Examples in context
- もう一度言って。Say it again.This sentence is useful for asking someone to repeat what they said using 言って.Tatoeba #3506687 by arnab, translation #2249856 by CK
- 普段どう言ってる？How do you usually say it?This sentence is useful for asking how someone typically uses a specific expression with 言って.Tatoeba #10596615 by small_snow, translation #10593392 by DJ_Saidez
- 言ってみたらどうだ。Why don't you say it?This sentence is useful for suggesting that someone try speaking or saying something using 言って.Tatoeba #174753 by bunbuku, translation #239715 by CK
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Ren are at a cafe, and Ren is hesitant to share a secret.
- 美咲 Misaki隠さないで、早く言って。Kakusanaide, hayaku itte.Don't hide it, just say it quickly.
- 蓮 Renでも、言ったら驚くよ。Demo, ittara odoroku yo.But you'll be surprised if I say it.
- 美咲 Misaki大丈夫だから、言って。Daijoubu dakara, itte.It's okay, so say it.
- 蓮 Renわかった、実はね…Wakatta, jitsu wa ne…Alright, actually…
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
