Decir (en. Say)

/deˈθiɾ/ (España) o /deˈsir/ (América Latina)

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
To verbally express something.
She usually tells the truth always.
Ella suele decir la verdad siempre.
To affirm or declare something.
He said he would come to the party.
Dijo que vendría a la fiesta.
To utter words that convey a message.
I don't know what to say in this situation.
No sé qué decir en esta situación.

Etymology

From Latin 'dicere', which means 'to speak' or 'to express'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to tell the truth
To express what is true.
decir la verdad
to say goodbye
To express a farewell.
decir adiós
to say no
To refuse or reject something verbally.
decir que no
to speak one's mind
To express opinions or feelings frankly.
decir lo que uno piensa

Related Words

saying
An expression or phrase that has a particular meaning.
dicho
decision
The act of deciding or choosing between several options.
decisión
speeches
Set of words expressed in a formal context.
discursos
dictation
Action of saying something for someone to write it down.
dictado

Slang Meanings

To say something straight out.
What they tell me, I say just like that.
Lo que me dicen, lo digo tal cual.
To speak clearly.
Start saying things directly.
Ponte a decir las cosas de manera directa.
To let the tongue loose.
I can't keep the secret; I can't help but say it.
No puedo guardar el secreto; no puedo evitar decirlo.