Language/Spanish/Grammar/Decir

Mastering the Verb "Decir" (to say, to tell) in Spanish

The verb "Decir" is pivotal in the Spanish language for expressing communication, ranging from reporting speech to giving instructions. Its irregular conjugation pattern and its role in various idiomatic expressions make it a vital verb for effective Spanish communication. This lesson will navigate through the conjugation of "Decir," its usage in different contexts, and its application in common Spanish expressions.

Conjugation

"Decir" is known for its irregularities in conjugation, which are crucial for learners to understand and use correctly.

Present Tense - Presente de Indicativo

• yo digo - I say/tell
• tú dices - you say/tell (informal)
• él/ella/usted dice - he/she/you (formal) say/tell
• nosotros/nosotras decimos - we say/tell
• vosotros/vosotras decís - you all say/tell (informal)
• ellos/ellas/ustedes dicen - they/you all (formal) say/tell

Past Tense - Pretérito Perfecto Simple

• yo dije - I said/told
• tú dijiste - you said/told (informal)
• él/ella/usted dijo - he/she/you (formal) said/told
• nosotros/nosotras dijimos - we said/told
• vosotros/vosotras dijisteis - you all said/told (informal)
• ellos/ellas/ustedes dijeron - they/you all (formal) said/told

Future Tense - Futuro Simple

• yo diré - I will say/tell
• tú dirás - you will say/tell (informal)
• él/ella/usted dirá - he/she/you (formal) will say/tell
• nosotros/nosotras diremos - we will say/tell
• vosotros/vosotras diréis - you all will say/tell (informal)
• ellos/ellas/ustedes dirán - they/you all (formal) will say/tell

Subjunctive Mood

• yo diga - I say/tell (subjunctive)
• tú digas - you say/tell (subjunctive, informal)
• él/ella/usted diga - he/she/you (formal) say/tell (subjunctive)
• nosotros/nosotras digamos - we say/tell (subjunctive)
• vosotros/vosotras digáis - you all say/tell (subjunctive, informal)
• ellos/ellas/ustedes digan - they/you all (formal) say/tell (subjunctive)

Uses of the Verb "Decir"

"Decir" is extensively used in daily conversation, often for reporting speech, making requests, or giving commands.

Reporting Speech

• Él dijo que vendría - He said he would come

Making Requests

• Dime la verdad - Tell me the truth

Giving Commands

• Di la contraseña - Say the password

Examples of Use

This section showcases "Decir" in real-life scenarios:

Everyday Conversation

• ¿Qué dijiste? - What did you say?

Instructions

• Nos dijo que esperáramos aquí - He told us to wait here

Complete Quiz

Assess your mastery of "Decir" with these questions.

• 1. Choose the correct form of "Decir" for: "Ellos _____ la verdad."

a) dicen

b) dice

c) dijeron

• 2. Translate to Spanish: "We will tell the story."

a) Decimos la historia

b) Diremos la historia

c) Dijimos la historia

Answers

1. a) dicen

2. b) Diremos la historia

Other Lessons

• Use of verb Tener
• Use of verb Haber
• Use of verb Ser
• Use of verb Ir
• Be Polite
• The word that cannot be written