Dictionary
English - French
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.
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.
Dire, Exprimer, Déclarer, Raconter, Mentionner, Représenter
Say meanings in French
Dire
Example:
He said he would come.
Il a dit qu'il viendrait.
What did she say?
Que dit-elle ?
Usage: InformalContext: Everyday conversation, reporting speech
Note: The verb 'dire' is commonly used in both spoken and written French.
Exprimer
Example:
She said her opinion clearly.
Elle a exprimé son opinion clairement.
He said what everyone was thinking.
Il a exprimé ce que tout le monde pensait.
Usage: FormalContext: Formal discussions, presentations, or writings
Note: 'Exprimer' is often used to emphasize the act of conveying thoughts or feelings.
Déclarer
Example:
The president said he would resign.
Le président a déclaré qu'il démissionnerait.
She said it was a mistake.
Elle a déclaré que c'était une erreur.
Usage: FormalContext: Official statements, announcements
Note: 'Déclarer' is used in formal contexts where an official statement is made.
Raconter
Example:
He said a funny story during dinner.
Il a raconté une histoire drôle pendant le dîner.
She said about her trip to France.
Elle a raconté son voyage en France.
Usage: InformalContext: Storytelling, sharing experiences
Note: 'Raconter' implies narrating or telling a story, often in a casual setting.
Mentionner
Example:
He said that in passing.
Il a mentionné cela en passant.
Did she say anything about the meeting?
A-t-elle mentionné quelque chose à propos de la réunion ?
Usage: Informal/FormalContext: Casual or formal discussions where something is referenced
Note: 'Mentionner' is used when referring to something without elaboration, often in discussions.
Représenter
Example:
This painting says a lot about the artist.
Cette peinture représente beaucoup de choses sur l'artiste.
His actions say more than words.
Ses actions représentent plus que des mots.
Usage: InformalContext: Artistic discussions, evaluations
Note: 'Représenter' is often used in contexts where something conveys a message or meaning beyond words.
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.
Je dis bonjour à mon voisin chaque matin.
She always says thank you when someone helps her.
Elle dit toujours merci quand quelqu'un l'aide.
They say that laughter is the best medicine.
Ils disent que le rire est le meilleur remède.
He didn't say anything during the meeting.
Il n'a rien dit pendant la réunion.
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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