dile
/dile/from spelling rules
The English phrase "tell him" is translated into Spanish as dile.
What does it mean word for word?
The word dile is a combination of the imperative verb di (tell) and the indirect object pronoun le (to him/her).
Which one should you use?
While dile is used for an informal tú command, you should use dígale when using the formal usted command.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form dile is gender-neutral and can mean both "tell him" and "tell her".
How do you pronounce it?
/dile/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, 'dile' might be accompanied by a specific pointing gesture with the chin or lips rather than a finger to remain polite during a casual conversation.
- There is a distinction between decir (used in dile) and contar, where contar is specifically used when 'telling' refers to narrating a story or recounting a series of events.
- The phrase dile is frequently used in Latin music lyrics, especially in Reggaeton and Salsa, as a rhythmic hook to introduce a message of love or betrayal to a rival.
Examples in context
- Dile que no se vaya.Tell him not to go.This example shows how to use dile to tell someone not to leave.Tatoeba #5463846 by Seael, translation #11064052 by Luornu
- Dile lo que quieras.Tell him whatever you want.This example shows how to use dile to express telling someone anything you want.Tatoeba #5950041 by arh, translation #9855567 by DJ_Saidez
- Dile que voy en camino.Tell him I'm on my way.This example shows how to use dile to convey that you are on your way.Tatoeba #4371678 by pchamorro, translation #3467785 by Hybrid
- Hágame el favor de decirle al director que llegaré tardePlease tell the director that I will be late
- Dile que no puedo venir a la fiestaTell him I can't come to the party
- ¿Sabes algo de Juan? Dile que lo estoy esperando.Do you know anything about Juan? Tell him I'm waiting for him.
- Sr. González, dígale al cliente que estoy analizando su solicitud.Mr. Gonzalez, tell the client that I am analyzing their request.
- Por favor, dígale al Sr. Martínez que su cita ha sido reprogramada.Please tell Mr. Martinez that his appointment has been rescheduled.
- ¡Hola! Hágame el favor de decirle al señor Ramírez que ya he llegado.Hi! Please tell Mr. Ramirez that I have arrived.
- Cuéntale lo que pasó en la reuniónTell him what happened in the meeting
- Ayer fui al concierto de Carlos. Cuéntale lo increíble que estuvo.Yesterday, I went to Carlos' concert. Tell him how amazing it was.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are at home talking about a mutual friend.
- AlejandroDile que la cena está lista.Tell him dinner is ready.
- LucíaEstá bien, se lo diré ahora.Okay, I will tell him now.
- AlejandroDile también que no se olvide del postre.Tell him also not to forget the dessert.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, yo le aviso.Don't worry, I'll let him know.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
