dime
/dime/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for 'tell me' is dime.
dime is used to ask someone to provide information or to ask them to tell you what they want. It is also frequently used as a standalone response when someone calls your name or gets your attention, functioning similarly to 'Yes?' or 'What is it?' in English. In Spain, the phrase dime algo is specifically used in informal settings to mean 'tell me something'.
What does it mean word for word?
The word dime is a combination of the imperative verb di (tell) and the indirect object pronoun me (to me).
Which one should you use?
While dime is the standard informal way to say 'tell me', you may also encounter cuéntame, which is an informal expression meaning 'tell me' or 'share with me'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the colloquial and informal word contame is used to say 'tell me'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use dígame instead of dime when speaking to someone in a formal context to ensure you are showing appropriate respect.
How do you pronounce it?
/dime/
Did you know?
- The formal version dígame is the standard way to answer the telephone in many Spanish-speaking households, acting as a polite 'hello'.
- While dime is a direct request, the alternative cuéntame comes from the verb 'to count', making it more like asking someone to 'recount' a story or a sequence of events.
- In some contexts, dime can function as a conversational filler, much like an English speaker saying 'go on' to encourage someone to keep talking.
Examples in context
- Dime algo de él.Tell me about him.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use dime to ask for information about someone.Tatoeba #1629075 by leoruilova, translation #285332 by CH
- Dime una cosa más.Tell me one more thing.This sentence shows how to use dime to request one more piece of information.Tatoeba #1469561 by marcelostockle, translation #1111700 by Scott
- Dime lo que viste.Tell me what you saw.This sentence demonstrates using dime to ask someone to describe a specific action they saw.Tatoeba #3442012 by Shishir, translation #1860549 by CK
- Dígame lo que necesita.Tell me what you need.
- Dígame usted su opinión.Tell me your opinion.
- Dime qué te pasó.Tell me what happened to you.
- Cuéntame tus planes para el fin de semana.Tell me your plans for the weekend.
- 202 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are talking on the phone.
- LucíaDime, ¿cómo estuvo tu día, Mateo?Tell me, how was your day, Mateo?
- MateoFue muy largo, pero estoy bien.It was very long, but I am fine.
- Lucía¿Quieres hablar de eso ahora?Do you want to talk about it now?
- MateoSí, hablemos un poco.Yes, let's talk a little.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
