Dictionary
English - German

Say

seɪ
Extremely common
0 - 100
0 - 100
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

sagen / sagen, sagen / aussprechen, behaupten, meinen

Say meanings in German

sagen / sagen

Example:
He said he would come.
Er sagte, er würde kommen.
What did you say?
Was hast du gesagt?
Usage: formal/informalContext: General conversation
Note: The most common translation of 'say' in Deutsch.

sagen / aussprechen

Example:
Can you say your name, please?
Kannst du deinen Namen sagen, bitte?
Say 'cheese' for the camera.
Sag 'Käse' für die Kamera.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Giving instructions or asking for pronunciation
Note: Used when asking someone to speak or pronounce something.

behaupten

Example:
He says he knows the truth.
Er behauptet, er kennt die Wahrheit.
They say it's going to rain tomorrow.
Sie behaupten, dass es morgen regnen wird.
Usage: formalContext: Expressing someone's claim or statement
Note: Used to report or convey what someone else has stated.

meinen

Example:
What do you say we go for a walk?
Was meinst du, sollen wir spazieren gehen?
She said she didn't like it.
Sie meinte, sie mochte es nicht.
Usage: formalContext: Expressing opinions or suggestions
Note: Used to introduce a suggestion or express one's opinion.

Say's synonyms

Tell

To communicate information or details to someone.
Example: She told me about her new job.
Note: While 'say' is more general, 'tell' often implies giving information to someone specific.

State

To express something formally or officially.
Example: He stated his opinion on the matter clearly.
Note: Unlike 'say,' 'state' carries a sense of formality or official declaration.

Express

To convey thoughts, feelings, or opinions.
Example: She expressed her gratitude for the help she received.
Note: Express emphasizes the act of conveying emotions or ideas more than just conveying information.

Mention

To refer to something briefly or casually.
Example: He mentioned that he would be late for the meeting.
Note: Mention is often used for bringing something up briefly or in passing.

Declare

To announce something officially or formally.
Example: The president declared that a new policy would be implemented.
Note: Declare is more forceful and official than 'say,' often used for making public statements.

Say expressions, common phrases

Say cheese

This is a phrase used to encourage people to smile when taking a photo.
Example: Everyone, say cheese for the camera!
Note: The word 'say' in this phrase is used to prompt an action (smiling) rather than just stating something.

Say the word

This means to make a request or indicate a desire for something.
Example: If you need help, just say the word and I'll come over.
Note: In this context, 'say' is used to convey giving permission or agreement when the word is spoken.

I can't say

This is used when someone is uncertain or doesn't have enough information to give a definite answer.
Example: Will it rain tomorrow? I can't say for sure.
Note: It indicates a lack of certainty or knowledge, different from just stating something as a fact.

Say the least

This expression is used to understate something negative or critical.
Example: His behavior was inappropriate, to say the least.
Note: It implies that the situation is even more extreme or severe than what is being stated.

Say what?

This is a colloquial way of asking someone to repeat or clarify what was just said, often in disbelief or surprise.
Example: You're moving to another country? Say what?
Note: It is an informal expression used in conversational language to seek clarification or express astonishment.

You don't say

This is a response used to show surprise or disbelief at something that was just mentioned.
Example: He won a scholarship? You don't say!
Note: It is a casual way of expressing astonishment, different from directly stating something.

Say the magic word

This is a phrase often used humorously to prompt someone to say 'please' when making a request.
Example: What do you say? Say the magic word!
Note: It involves prompting someone to use polite language in making a request, rather than just stating a command.

Say everyday (slang) expressions

Say no more

Used to indicate understanding or agreement without needing further explanation.
Example: A: I'll take care of it. B: Say no more.
Note: The slang term conveys a sense of immediate understanding compared to simply saying 'I understand.'

Say less

Expresses agreement, understanding, or confirmation with the preceding statement.
Example: A: Let's meet at 7. B: Say less, I'll be there.
Note: Equivalent to saying 'I agree' or 'I understand,' but in a more informal and concise way.

Says who?

Expresses disbelief or challenges the authority or truth of a statement.
Example: A: You can't do that. B: Says who?
Note: The slang term questions the credibility or source of information compared to a simple 'Who says?'

I say

Used to express personal opinion or disagreement with a statement.
Example: A: This movie is great. B: I say it's just okay.
Note: Adds emphasis to the speaker's opinion or viewpoint compared to saying 'I think' or 'in my opinion.'

Can't say no to that

Conveys strong agreement or inability to resist a tempting offer or suggestion.
Example: A: Want some pizza? B: Can't say no to that!
Note: Stronger than just saying 'Yes,' indicating strong positive feelings or enthusiasm.

Say - Examples

I say hello to my neighbor every morning.
Ich sage jeden Morgen Hallo zu meinem Nachbarn.
She always says thank you when someone helps her.
Sie sagt immer Danke, wenn jemand ihr hilft.
They say that laughter is the best medicine.
Sie sagen, dass Lachen die beste Medizin ist.
He didn't say anything during the meeting.
Er hat während des Treffens nichts gesagt.

Say grammar

Say - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: say
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): say
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): say
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): said
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): said
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): saying
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): says
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): say
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): say
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Say Contains 1 syllables: say
Phonetic transcription: ˈsā
say , ˈsā (The red syllable is stressed)

Say - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Say: 0 - 100 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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