Learning how to properly translate the English word “says” into Spanish is essential for effective communication. Whether you want to express yourself in a formal or informal context, understanding the different variations is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various ways to say “says” in Spanish, providing you with plenty of helpful tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “Says” in Spanish
When you need to express “says” in more formal situations, such as professional settings or when speaking to people of higher authority, these are some phrases you can use:
Afirmar – This verb translates to “affirm” or “to state.” It is commonly used to convey when someone says something with confidence and conviction. For example: Él afirma que está listo para el desafío (He says he is ready for the challenge).
Asegurar – Translating to “to assure” or “to guarantee,” this verb implies a higher level of confidence when someone says something. For example: Ella asegura que el proyecto será exitoso (She says/assures that the project will be successful).
Manifestar – Meaning “to express” or “to state,” this verb is used when someone articulates an opinion or thought. For example: El orador manifestó que la educación es fundamental (The speaker said that education is fundamental).
2. Informal Ways to Say “Says” in Spanish
For less formal situations, such as casual conversations among friends or acquaintances, these are some commonly used phrases:
Decir – The most common verb for “to say” in Spanish, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: Él dice que viene tarde (He says he’s coming late).
Contar – Translating to “to tell,” this verb is often used when someone tells a story or relays information. For example: Ella contó que tuvo un gran fin de semana (She said/told that she had a great weekend).
Mencionar – Meaning “to mention,” this verb is used when someone refers to or brings something up in conversation. For example: La profesora mencionó un próximo examen (The teacher mentioned a upcoming test).
3. Regional Variations
While the above phrases are widely used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, regional variations may exist. Here are a couple of examples:
Dicho sea de paso – In some Latin American countries, this expression is used to introduce an additional comment or a related thought. It can be loosely translated as “by the way,” and it implies something someone said. For example: Dicho sea de paso, él dijo que ya no puede asistir a la reunión (By the way, he said he can no longer attend the meeting).
Se comenta que – This phrase, commonly used in Spain and parts of Latin America, introduces information obtained through rumors or hearsay. It can be translated as “it is said that” or “rumor has it.” For example: Se comenta que van a cerrar la tienda (It is said that they are going to close the store).
4. Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to enhance your understanding of how to say “says” in Spanish:
- Pay attention to verb conjugations: Spanish verbs change depending on the subject. It’s important to learn how to conjugate verbs properly to express different voices and tenses.
- Use indirect speech: In Spanish, it is common to use indirect speech after verbs like “decir” (to say) or “contar” (to tell). For example: Me dijo que vendría en coche (He told me he would come by car).
- Practice with authentic materials: Watch movies, listen to podcasts, or read books written by native Spanish speakers to expose yourself to different ways of expressing “says.”
- Consider context: The appropriate translation for “says” in Spanish depends on the context and the intention behind the statement. The examples provided here should help guide you, but understanding the broader context is essential.
By mastering the various ways to say “says” in Spanish and understanding when to use them, you’ll significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively in both formal and informal situations. Practice regularly and immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture to enhance your skills further. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
