tú me dices
/tu me diθes/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase tú me dices means "you tell me".
While tú me dices can be used as a literal statement, it is frequently used as a rhetorical interjection. In this sense, it is similar to the English "you tell me," used to express skepticism or to suggest that the answer to a question is obvious.
Meaning: interjection (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the subject pronoun tú (you), the indirect object pronoun me (to me) and the verb dices (you say/tell).
Which one should you use?
tú me dices is used in casual settings, whereas usted me dice is the version used when speaking to someone in a formal context or to someone you do not know well.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the subject pronoun tú is often omitted because the verb ending -ces already indicates the second-person singular "you".
How do you pronounce it?
/tu me diθes/
Did you know?
- The word tú shares its ancient roots with the archaic English word 'thou'. Both come from the same Proto-Indo-European source used to point directly at a single person.
- While English speakers use 'you tell me' as a sassy retort, Spanish speakers often use tú me dices as a gentle way to say 'let me know' when coordinating plans.
- In Argentina and Uruguay, you will likely hear vos me decís instead of tú me dices. This uses the pronoun vos and a different verb conjugation, but it serves the same rhetorical purpose.
Examples in context
- Tú me dices a mí.You tell me.This sentence is useful for showing the use of tú me dices.Tatoeba #8820651 by arh, translation #7306621 by Hybrid
- Usted me lo dice y tomaré en cuenta sus sugerencias.You tell me, and I will take your suggestions into account.
- Si quieres ir al cine, tú me dices.If you want to go to the movies, you tell me.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are planning a dinner.
- MateoQuiero ir al restaurante nuevo.I want to go to the new restaurant.
- MaríaMe parece bien, Mateo.Sounds good to me, Mateo.
- MateoEntonces, tú me dices la hora.Then, you tell me the time.
- MaríaTe aviso más tarde.I'll let you know later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, tú, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
