dime algo
/dime alɡo/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'tell me something' is expressed as dime algo.
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).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina and Uruguay, contame algo is used to say 'tell me something'. In Mexico, cuéntame algo is a common way to express this phrase.
How do you pronounce it?
/dime alɡo/
Did you know?
- In Spain, if you want someone to 'tell you something' in a way that implies they are keeping a secret, you might hear the phrase suéltalo, which literally means 'release it' or 'let it loose'.
- In some contexts, dime is used as a way to answer the phone or respond when someone calls your name, meaning 'I am listening' or 'what is it?' It functions more like 'yes?' than a literal command to tell a story.
- The word algo has a hidden connection to English through the Latin word 'aliquod', which shares roots with the English word 'aliquot', used in mathematics to describe a part of a whole.
Examples in context
- Dime algo que no sepa.Tell me something I don't know.This sentence shows how to ask for information that is not already known using dime algo.Tatoeba #2071826 by Shishir, translation #2064854 by CK
- "A Tom le gusta María." "Dime algo que no sepa.""Tom likes Mary." "Tell me something I don't know."This example uses dime algo in a conversational context to react to a piece of information.Tatoeba #2906747 by marcelostockle, translation #1858688 by CK
- Dime algo importante que hayas aprendido este fin de semana.Tell me something important you learned this weekend.This sentence demonstrates using dime algo when asking for something specific and important learned recently.Tatoeba #451631 by Shishir, translation #242116 by CK
- Dígame algo interesante sobre su investigación.Tell me something interesting about your research.
- Cuéntame algo gracioso que te haya sucedido.Tell me something funny that happened to you.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are chatting over coffee.
- ElenaEstás muy callado, Alejandro. Dime algo.You are very quiet, Alejandro. Tell me something.
- AlejandroSolo estoy pensando en el trabajo.I'm just thinking about work.
- ElenaOlvida el trabajo. Dime algo divertido.Forget work. Tell me something funny.
- AlejandroEstá bien, te cuento un chiste.Alright, I'll tell you a joke.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries algo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
