¡Hola! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “to tell” in Spanish. Whether you want to express yourself formally or informally, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, you’ll find tips, examples, and even regional variations to enhance your language skills. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “To Tell”
When addressing someone formally or using proper etiquette, it is essential to choose the appropriate verb to express the action of “telling” in Spanish. Here are some commonly used options:
a) Decir
“Decir” is the most general and versatile verb to convey “to tell” in formal contexts. Its conjugated forms change according to the subject and tense. Let’s take a look at some examples:
El profesor le dijo al estudiante que estudie para el examen.
The teacher told the student to study for the exam.
La ejecutiva le dice a sus empleados que lleguen temprano.
The executive tells her employees to arrive early.
b) Comunicar
Another formal option is to use the verb “comunicar”. While it’s less frequent than “decir,” it conveys a sense of conveying or communicating information. Observe the examples below:
El gobierno comunica a la población las nuevas medidas de seguridad.
The government informs the population of the new security measures.
El médico comunica al paciente el diagnóstico de su enfermedad.
The doctor communicates the patient’s diagnosis.
c) Informar
When you want to express the idea of providing information or informing formally, the verb “informar” is a suitable choice. Check out these examples:
La empresa informa a sus accionistas sobre los resultados del trimestre.
The company informs its shareholders about the quarterly results.
El profesor informa a los padres sobre el avance de sus hijos en la escuela.
The teacher informs parents about their children’s progress in school.
2. Informal Ways to Say “To Tell”
When speaking more casually, you’ll want to use different verbs than those used in formal situations. Here are some options for expressing “to tell” informally:
a) Decir
Just like in formal language, “decir” can be used informally as well. It’s the most common and versatile verb, ensuring it works in various contexts. Here are some examples:
Le dije a mi mejor amigo que vendría a su fiesta.
I told my best friend I would come to his party.
Le dije a mi hermana que compre leche en el supermercado.
I told my sister to buy milk at the supermarket.
b) Contar
If you want to convey a sense of “telling” a story or an anecdote, you can use the verb “contar” when speaking informally. Explore the examples below:
Le conté a mi amigo sobre mi viaje a la playa.
I told my friend about my trip to the beach.
Conté a mi familia lo divertido que fue el concierto.
I told my family how fun the concert was.
c) Expresar
Although slightly less common, “expresar” can be used as an informal way of expressing “to tell” when emphasizing emotions or thoughts. Observe these examples:
Expresé a mi novio lo mucho que lo quiero.
I told my boyfriend how much I love him.
Le expresé a mis amigos lo agradecido que estoy por su apoyo.
I told my friends how grateful I am for their support.
Wrap-Up
Congratulations! You’ve learned various ways to say “to tell” in Spanish, both formally and informally. Remember to adapt your language depending on the context and relationship with the person you’re speaking to. Keep practicing and exploring different examples to solidify your understanding.
If you encounter regional variations in Spanish-speaking countries, don’t worry too much about it. The verbs and phrases mentioned in this guide are used across various Spanish-speaking regions, providing a solid foundation for communication.
¡Mucho éxito! (Good luck!)
