Mastering “Say” in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding how to say “say” in Spanish is fundamental for anyone learning the language. It’s not just about knowing the direct translation, but also grasping the nuances, conjugations, and idiomatic expressions associated with the verb.
This guide provides a detailed explanation of the verb “decir” (to say), its various forms, and how to use it correctly in different contexts. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will help you confidently express yourself in Spanish.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Decir”
- Structural Breakdown of “Decir”
- Conjugation of “Decir”
- Types of Use
- Examples of “Decir” in Sentences
- Usage Rules for “Decir”
- Common Mistakes with “Decir”
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of “Decir”
The Spanish verb “decir” translates to “to say” or “to tell” in English. It is a highly versatile and frequently used verb that belongs to the irregular verbs group. Understanding its various forms and uses is crucial for effective communication in Spanish. “Decir” functions as a transitive verb, typically requiring a direct object to complete its meaning. It is used to report information, express opinions, give instructions, and convey thoughts or feelings.
Classifying “decir” within the broader context of verbs, it falls under the category of reporting verbs, which are used to introduce reported speech or thoughts. These verbs are essential for narrating stories, conveying conversations, and expressing beliefs. The verb “decir” can also be part of many idiomatic expressions, adding layers of meaning beyond its literal definition. In essence, mastering “decir” allows you to relay information and engage in complex communication scenarios.
The contexts in which “decir” is used are broad, ranging from informal conversations to formal writing. In everyday speech, “decir” can be used to simply state facts or opinions.
In more formal settings, it can introduce complex arguments or detailed reports. Its versatility makes it an indispensable tool for both expressing and understanding a wide range of information.
The verb also takes on different shades of meaning depending on the context, such as advising, warning, or promising.
Structural Breakdown of “Decir”
The verb “decir” is structurally complex due to its irregularity, particularly in the present tense and preterite tense. The stem of the verb changes in certain conjugations, which must be memorized.
The basic structure involves understanding the infinitive form (decir), the stem changes, and the appropriate endings for each tense and mood.
The irregularity of “decir” manifests primarily in stem changes. In the present tense, the “e” in the stem changes to “i” for all forms except nosotros and vosotros. In the preterite tense, the stem changes to “dij-“. These stem changes are crucial for correct conjugation and pronunciation. Furthermore, “decir” often appears with indirect object pronouns (me, te, le, nos, os, les) to indicate to whom something is being said.
Understanding the patterns of these irregularities will significantly improve your ability to use “decir” correctly. For example, knowing that the present tense stem changes apply to all forms except nosotros and vosotros helps you avoid common errors. Similarly, recognizing the “dij-” stem in the preterite tense allows you to form past tense sentences accurately. The verb “decir” also commonly appears in compound tenses, such as the perfect tenses, which require the auxiliary verb “haber” and the past participle “dicho.”
Conjugation of “Decir”
Mastering the conjugation of “decir” is essential for fluency in Spanish. Due to its irregularity, memorization and practice are key.
Below are the conjugations of “decir” in various tenses and moods.
Present Tense
The present tense of “decir” is irregular due to the stem change from “e” to “i” in all forms except nosotros and vosotros. This is crucial to remember.
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | digo | I say/tell |
| Tú | dices | You say/tell |
| Él/Ella/Usted | dice | He/She/You (formal) says/tells |
| Nosotros/Nosotras | decimos | We say/tell |
| Vosotros/Vosotras | decís | You (plural, informal) say/tell |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | dicen | They/You (plural, formal) say/tell |
Example sentences:
- Yo digo la verdad. (I tell the truth.)
- ¿Qué dices? (What are you saying?)
- Ella dice que va a llover. (She says it’s going to rain.)
- Nosotros decimos que sí. (We say yes.)
- Vosotros decís tonterías. (You (plural, informal) say nonsense.)
- Ellos dicen que están cansados. (They say they are tired.)
Preterite Tense
The preterite tense of “decir” is also irregular, with the stem changing to “dij-” and unique endings.
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | dije | I said/told |
| Tú | dijiste | You said/told |
| Él/Ella/Usted | dijo | He/She/You (formal) said/told |
| Nosotros/Nosotras | dijimos | We said/told |
| Vosotros/Vosotras | dijisteis | You (plural, informal) said/told |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | dijeron | They/You (plural, formal) said/told |
Example sentences:
- Yo dije que no. (I said no.)
- ¿Qué dijiste? (What did you say?)
- Él dijo la verdad. (He told the truth.)
- Nosotros dijimos que sí. (We said yes.)
- Vosotros dijisteis la respuesta. (You (plural, informal) said the answer.)
- Ellos dijeron que estaban ocupados. (They said they were busy.)
Imperfect Tense
The imperfect tense of “decir” is regular, making it easier to learn compared to the present and preterite tenses.
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | decía | I used to say/tell, I was saying/telling |
| Tú | decías | You used to say/tell, You were saying/telling |
| Él/Ella/Usted | decía | He/She/You (formal) used to say/tell, He/She/You (formal) were saying/telling |
| Nosotros/Nosotras | decíamos | We used to say/tell, We were saying/telling |
| Vosotros/Vosotras | decíais | You (plural, informal) used to say/tell, You (plural, informal) were saying/telling |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | decían | They/You (plural, formal) used to say/tell, They/You (plural, formal) were saying/telling |
Example sentences:
- Yo decía la verdad siempre. (I always used to tell the truth.)
- ¿Qué decías antes? (What were you saying before?)
- Ella decía que quería ser doctora. (She used to say she wanted to be a doctor.)
- Nosotros decíamos que íbamos a ganar. (We were saying we were going to win.)
- Vosotros decíais que era fácil. (You (plural, informal) used to say it was easy.)
- Ellos decían que estaban contentos. (They were saying they were happy.)
Future Tense
The future tense of “decir” is irregular, with the stem changing to “dir-“.
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | diré | I will say/tell |
| Tú | dirás | You will say/tell |
| Él/Ella/Usted | dirá | He/She/You (formal) will say/tell |
| Nosotros/Nosotras | diremos | We will say/tell |
| Vosotros/Vosotras | diréis | You (plural, informal) will say/tell |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | dirán | They/You (plural, formal) will say/tell |
Example sentences:
- Yo diré la verdad. (I will tell the truth.)
- ¿Qué dirás? (What will you say?)
- Él dirá que no. (He will say no.)
- Nosotros diremos que estamos de acuerdo. (We will say that we agree.)
- Vosotros diréis que es imposible. (You (plural, informal) will say it is impossible.)
- Ellos dirán que están ocupados. (They will say they are busy.)
Conditional Tense
The conditional tense of “decir” is also irregular, using the same “dir-” stem as the future tense.
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | diría | I would say/tell |
| Tú | dirías | You would say/tell |
| Él/Ella/Usted | diría | He/She/You (formal) would say/tell |
| Nosotros/Nosotras | diríamos | We would say/tell |
| Vosotros/Vosotras | diríais | You (plural, informal) would say/tell |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | dirían | They/You (plural, formal) would say/tell |
Example sentences:
- Yo diría que sí. (I would say yes.)
- ¿Qué dirías tú? (What would you say?)
- Él diría la verdad. (He would tell the truth.)
- Nosotros diríamos que estamos cansados. (We would say we are tired.)
- Vosotros diríais que es fácil. (You (plural, informal) would say it is easy.)
- Ellos dirían que están ocupados. (They would say they are busy.)
Subjunctive Mood
The subjunctive mood is used to express doubts, wishes, and hypothetical situations. The present subjunctive of “decir” is irregular.
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo | diga | That I say/tell |
| Tú | digas | That you say/tell |
| Él/Ella/Usted | diga | That he/she/you (formal) say/tell |
| Nosotros/Nosotras | digamos | That we say/tell |
| Vosotros/Vosotras | digáis | That you (plural, informal) say/tell |
| Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes | digan | That they/you (plural, formal) say/tell |
Example sentences:
- Es importante que yo diga la verdad. (It is important that I tell the truth.)
- Espero que tú digas que sí. (I hope that you say yes.)
- Es necesario que él diga algo. (It is necessary that he say something.)
- Es bueno que nosotros digamos lo que pensamos. (It is good that we say what we think.)
- Es importante que vosotros digáis la verdad. (It is important that you (plural, informal) tell the truth.)
- Espero que ellos digan que sí. (I hope that they say yes.)
Imperative Mood
The imperative mood is used to give commands or instructions.
| Pronoun | Conjugation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Tú | Di | Say/Tell (informal) |
| Usted | Diga | Say/Tell (formal) |
| Nosotros/Nosotras | Digamos | Let’s say/tell |
| Vosotros/Vosotras | Decid | Say/Tell (plural, informal) |
| Ustedes | Digan | Say/Tell (plural, formal) |
Example sentences:
- Di la verdad. (Tell the truth.)
- Diga su nombre, por favor. (Say your name, please.)
- Digamos la verdad. (Let’s tell the truth.)
- Decid la respuesta. (Tell the answer.)
- Digan la verdad, por favor. (Tell the truth, please.)
Types of Use
“Decir” is used in various contexts, including direct speech, indirect speech, reporting verbs, and idiomatic expressions. Understanding these different uses will help you use the verb more effectively.
Direct Speech
Direct speech involves quoting the exact words someone said. In Spanish, direct speech is often introduced by “decir” followed by a colon and quotation marks.
Example:
- Ella dijo: “Voy a la tienda.” (She said: “I am going to the store.”)
Indirect Speech
Indirect speech reports what someone said without using their exact words. It often involves changing the verb tense and using conjunctions like “que.”
Example:
- Ella dijo que iba a la tienda. (She said that she was going to the store.)
Reporting Verbs
“Decir” is a common reporting verb used to introduce statements, opinions, and beliefs. Other reporting verbs include creer (to believe), pensar (to think), and opinar (to opine).
Example:
- Él dice que es inteligente. (He says that he is intelligent.)
Idiomatic Expressions
“Decir” appears in many idiomatic expressions, adding layers of meaning to the verb. These expressions often have figurative meanings that differ from the literal translation of “to say” or “to tell.”
Examples:
- Decir adiós (To say goodbye)
- Decir la verdad (To tell the truth)
- Decir tonterías (To say nonsense)
- Por decirlo así (So to speak)
Examples of “Decir” in Sentences
Here are several examples of “decir” used in different tenses and contexts:
| Category | Spanish Sentence | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Present Tense | Yo digo que sí. | I say yes. |
| Present Tense | ¿Qué dices? | What are you saying? |
| Present Tense | Ella dice la verdad. | She tells the truth. |
| Present Tense | Nosotros decimos que estamos listos. | We say we are ready. |
| Present Tense | Vosotros decís que es fácil. | You (plural, informal) say it’s easy. |
| Present Tense | Ellos dicen que están cansados. | They say they are tired. |
| Preterite Tense | Yo dije que no. | I said no. |
| Preterite Tense | ¿Qué dijiste? | What did you say? |
| Preterite Tense | Él dijo que llegaría tarde. | He said he would arrive late. |
| Preterite Tense | Nosotros dijimos la verdad. | We told the truth. |
| Preterite Tense | Vosotros dijisteis que era imposible. | You (plural, informal) said it was impossible. |
| Preterite Tense | Ellos dijeron que estaban ocupados. | They said they were busy. |
| Imperfect Tense | Yo decía que iba a ser famoso. | I used to say I would be famous. |
| Imperfect Tense | ¿Qué decías antes? | What were you saying before? |
| Imperfect Tense | Ella decía que quería ser doctora. | She used to say she wanted to be a doctor. |
| Imperfect Tense | Nosotros decíamos que íbamos a ganar. | We were saying we were going to win. |
| Imperfect Tense | Vosotros decíais que era fácil. | You (plural, informal) used to say it was easy. |
| Imperfect Tense | Ellos decían que estaban contentos. | They were saying they were happy. |
| Future Tense | Yo diré la verdad. | I will tell the truth. |
| Future Tense | ¿Qué dirás? | What will you say? |
| Future Tense | Él dirá que no. | He will say no. |
| Future Tense | Nosotros diremos que estamos de acuerdo. | We will say that we agree. |
| Future Tense | Vosotros diréis que es imposible. | You (plural, informal) will say it is impossible. |
| Future Tense | Ellos dirán que están ocupados. | They will say they are busy. |
| Conditional Tense | Yo diría que sí. | I would say yes. |
| Conditional Tense | ¿Qué dirías tú? | What would you say? |
| Conditional Tense | Él diría la verdad. | He would tell the truth. |
| Conditional Tense | Nosotros diríamos que estamos cansados. | We would say we are tired. |
| Conditional Tense | Vosotros diríais que es fácil. | You (plural, informal) would say it is easy. |
| Conditional Tense | Ellos dirían que están ocupados. | They would say they are busy. |
Usage Rules for “Decir”
Using “decir” correctly involves understanding its conjugations, prepositions, and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key rules to follow:
- Conjugation: Pay close attention to the irregular conjugations in the present and preterite tenses.
- Prepositions: “Decir” is often followed by the preposition “a” when indicating to whom something is said. Ejemplo: Le dije la verdad a Juan. (I told Juan the truth.)
- Indirect Object Pronouns: Use indirect object pronouns (me, te, le, nos, os, les) to clarify to whom the action is directed. Ejemplo: Le digo la verdad. (I tell him/her/you (formal) the truth.)
- Direct Speech: Use quotation marks to indicate direct speech. Ejemplo: Ella dijo: “Estoy cansada.” (She said: “I am tired.”)
- Indirect Speech: Use “que” to introduce indirect speech. Ejemplo: Ella dijo que estaba cansada. (She said that she was tired.)
- Idiomatic Expressions: Learn common idiomatic expressions with “decir” to enhance your fluency.
Exceptions and special cases:
- When “decir” is used reflexively as “decirse,” it means “to say to oneself.” Ejemplo: Me dije a mí mismo que iba a tener éxito. (I said to myself that I was going to be successful.)
- The phrase “es decir” means “that is to say” or “in other words.”
- “Decir que no” means “to refuse” or “to say no.”
Common Mistakes with “Decir”
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using “decir”:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Yo decí | Yo digo | Incorrect present tense conjugation. |
| Tú dice | Tú dices | Incorrect present tense conjugation. |
| Él dicí | Él dice | Incorrect present tense conjugation. |
| Yo decí | Yo dije | Incorrect preterite tense conjugation. |
| Tú dijistes | Tú dijiste | Incorrect preterite tense conjugation. |
| Él dijieron | Él dijo | Incorrect preterite tense conjugation. |
| Digo a Juan | Le digo a Juan | Missing indirect object pronoun. |
| Digo la verdad a él | Le digo la verdad a él | Using both indirect object pronoun and “a él” can be redundant but is acceptable for emphasis. |
| Ella dijo, “Estoy cansada” | Ella dijo: “Estoy cansada.” | Missing colon before the quotation. |
| Ella dijo que “estoy cansada.” | Ella dijo que estaba cansada. | Incorrect tense in indirect speech. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “decir” with these practice exercises:
- Conjugate “decir” in the present tense for all pronouns.
- Conjugate “decir” in the preterite tense for all pronouns.
- Conjugate “decir” in the imperfect tense for all pronouns.
- Conjugate “decir” in the future tense for all pronouns.
- Conjugate “decir” in the conditional tense for all pronouns.
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “decir”:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. Yo _____ la verdad. (present tense) | digo |
| 2. ¿Qué _____ tú? (present tense) | dices |
| 3. Ella _____ que está cansada. (present tense) | dice |
| 4. Nosotros _____ que sí. (present tense) | decimos |
| 5. Vosotros _____ tonterías. (present tense) | decís |
| 6. Ellos _____ que están ocupados. (present tense) | dicen |
| 7. Yo _____ que no. (preterite tense) | dije |
| 8. ¿Qué _____ tú? (preterite tense) | dijiste |
| 9. Él _____ la verdad. (preterite tense) | dijo |
| 10. Nosotros _____ que sí. (preterite tense) | dijimos |
| 11. Vosotros _____ la respuesta. (preterite tense) | dijisteis |
| 12. Ellos _____ que estaban ocupados. (preterite tense) | dijeron |
| 13. Yo _____ la verdad siempre. (imperfect tense) | decía |
| 14. ¿Qué _____ tú antes? (imperfect tense) | decías |
| 15. Ella _____ que quería ser doctora. (imperfect tense) | decía |
| 16. Nosotros _____ que íbamos a ganar. (imperfect tense) | decíamos |
| 17. Vosotros _____ que era fácil. (imperfect tense) | decíais |
| 18. Ellos _____ que estaban contentos. (imperfect tense) | decían |
| 19. Yo _____ la verdad. (future tense) | diré |
| 20. ¿Qué _____ tú? (future tense) | dirás |
| 21. Él _____ que no. (future tense) | dirá |
| 22. Nosotros _____ que estamos de acuerdo. (future tense) | diremos |
| 23. Vosotros _____ que es imposible. (future tense) | diréis |
| 24. Ellos _____ que están ocupados. (future tense) | dirán |
| 25. Yo _____ que sí. (conditional tense) | diría |
| 26. ¿Qué _____ tú? (conditional tense) | dirías |
| 27. Él _____ la verdad. (conditional tense) | diría |
| 28. Nosotros _____ que estamos cansados. (conditional tense) | diríamos |
| 29. Vosotros _____ que es fácil. (conditional tense) | diríais |
| 30. Ellos _____ que están ocupados. (conditional tense) | dirían |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, here are some more complex aspects of “decir”:
- “Decir” with Subjunctive: “Decir” can trigger the subjunctive mood in dependent clauses when expressing doubt, uncertainty, or emotion. Ejemplo: No digo que sea fácil. (I’m not saying that it’s easy.)
- Reflexive Use of “Decir”: The reflexive form “decirse” can indicate an internal dialogue or self-talk. Ejemplo: Se dice a sí mismo que puede hacerlo. (He says to himself that he can do it.)
- Nuances with “Contar” vs. “Decir”: While both can translate to “tell,” “contar” often implies narrating a story or recounting events, while “decir” is more general. Ejemplo: Contó una historia. (He told a story.) vs. Dijo la verdad. (He told the truth.)
- “Como quien dice”: This expression means “as one might say” or “so to speak” and adds a colloquial touch to your speech.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between “decir” and “hablar”?
“Decir” means “to say” or “to tell,” focusing on the content of what is being communicated. “Hablar” means “to speak,” focusing on the act of speaking itself. You “decir” something, but you “hablar” a language or “hablar” with someone.
- How do I use indirect object pronouns with “decir”?
Indirect object pronouns (me, te, le, nos,
os, les) are placed before the conjugated form of “decir” to indicate to whom something is being said. For example, “Le digo la verdad” means “I tell him/her/you (formal) the truth.”
- When should I use the subjunctive with “decir”?
Use the subjunctive mood after “decir” when expressing doubt, uncertainty, or emotion. For example, “No digo que sea fácil” (I’m not saying that it’s easy) uses the subjunctive “sea” because it expresses uncertainty.
- What are some common idiomatic expressions with “decir”?
Some common idiomatic expressions include “decir adiós” (to say goodbye), “decir la verdad” (to tell the truth), “decir tonterías” (to say nonsense), and “por decirlo así” (so to speak).
- How do I form direct and indirect speech with “decir”?
For direct speech, use quotation marks to quote the exact words someone said. For example, “Ella dijo: ‘Voy a la tienda.'” For indirect speech, use “que” to report what someone said without their exact words. For example, “Ella dijo que iba a la tienda.”
Conclusion
Mastering the verb “decir” is essential for effective communication in Spanish. By understanding its conjugations, usage rules, and idiomatic expressions, you can confidently express yourself in a variety of contexts.
Practice regularly and pay attention to common mistakes to improve your fluency. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to use “decir” with ease and precision, enhancing your overall command of the Spanish language.