say
gb/sˈeɪ/ us/sˈeɪ/
A1
English
~ 100
mond, idéz, véleményt mond, javasol, mit szól valamihez, mondjuk, például, tegyük fel, beleszólás, szava van valamiben
VERB
A1
1
mond
A1
Usage pattern:
to say [something]
She said she would be late.
Azt mondta, hogy késni fog.
Please say your name clearly.
Kérem, mondja ki érthetően a nevét.
He said he was tired after work.
I can't believe you said that to her.
They said nothing during the meeting.
Learner examples
She said hello to me.
Odaköszönt nekem.
Please say your name.
Kérem, mondja meg a nevét.
He said he is happy.
I said thank you.
They said yes.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'say' with 'tell'. 'Say' focuses on the words spoken, while 'tell' usually includes the listener ('tell someone something').
Meaning
Speak words aloud
Collocations
say something
|say nothing
|say hello
|say goodbye
|say yes
Synonyms
speak (More general; can refer to the act of talking in general, not just uttering specific words.)
Antonyms
listen (Opposite in the sense of receiving spoken words rather than producing them.)
Themes
communication
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To speak words so someone can hear them.
To produce words or sounds with the voice, especially to express information, ideas, or feelings.
VERB
A2
2
Usage pattern:
[someone] said (that) [clause]
He said that he was leaving early.
Azt mondta, hogy korán elmegy.
They said it would rain today.
Azt mondták, hogy ma esni fog.
She said to call her later.
The report says the company is growing.
My friend said he couldn't come.
Learner examples
He said he is busy.
Azt mondta, hogy elfoglalt.
She said to wait here.
Azt mondta, hogy várjunk itt.
They said it will rain.
My teacher said I did well.
Common mistake:
Learners often forget to use 'that' after 'said' in reported speech, although it is optional in English.
Meaning
Report someone's words
Collocations
said that
|said to me
|said it was
Synonyms
state (Slightly more formal; focuses on the act of expressing information clearly.)
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To tell someone what another person said.
To repeat or report the exact or approximate words spoken by someone else.
VERB
B1
3
Usage pattern:
I say [clause]
I say we leave now before traffic gets bad.
Azt javaslom, induljunk el most, mielőtt túl nagy lesz a forgalom.
What do you say to trying that new restaurant?
Mit szólnál hozzá, ha kipróbálnánk azt az új éttermet?
I'd say she's about 30 years old.
Some say it's the best movie ever made.
I wouldn't say no to some coffee.
Learner examples
I say we start now.
Azt javaslom, kezdjük el most.
What do you say to pizza?
Mit szólsz a pizzához?
I would say she is nice.
Meaning
Give an opinion or suggestion
Collocations
say we go
|say yes to
|say no to
Synonyms
suggest (Focuses on proposing an idea rather than simply stating it.)
Themes
communication
|opinions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To tell people what you think or suggest.
To express a personal opinion, judgment, or suggestion verbally.
VERB
B2
4
Usage pattern:
say [example]
You could, say, try calling her tomorrow.
Megpróbálhatnád mondjuk holnap felhívni.
Let's say you win the lottery—what would you do?
Tegyük fel, hogy nyersz a lottón – mit tennél?
Take, say, a small business trying to grow.
Say you were late—how would you explain it?
He might, say, move abroad next year.
Learner examples
Say you have no money—what will you do?
Tegyük fel, hogy nincs pénzed – mit fogsz tenni?
Let's say you are sick—stay home.
Tegyük fel, hogy beteg vagy – maradj otthon.
You could, say, take a bus.
Meaning
Use as an example
Collocations
say for example
|let's say
Synonyms
suppose (Often used interchangeably in hypothetical examples, but 'suppose' can be more formal in some contexts.)
Themes
communication
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To use something as an example when talking.
To introduce an example, possibility, or hypothetical situation in speech or writing.
NOUN
B1
5
We all had a say in choosing the new manager.
Mindannyiunknak volt beleszólása az új vezető kiválasztásába.
Parents should have a say in their children's education.
A szülőknek legyen beleszólásuk a gyerekeik oktatásába.
He wants more of a say at work.
The committee gave students a say in the changes.
They had no say in the matter.
Learner examples
I have a say in this plan.
Van beleszólásom ebbe a tervbe.
She has a say in the choice.
Van beleszólása a döntésbe.
We want a say in rules.
Meaning
Chance to give opinion or decision
Collocations
have a say
|give someone a say
Synonyms
voice ('Voice' in this sense also refers to expressing opinions but is slightly more figurative.)
Antonyms
silence (Lack of opportunity or refusal to express an opinion.)
Themes
communication
|politics
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The chance to give your opinion or help decide something.
An opportunity or right to influence a decision or express an opinion about something.
Grammar
Dictionary form
say
IPA
GB/sˈeɪ/
US/sˈeɪ/
Syllables & stress
say (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (say)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: say
- Plural: say
Verb
- Base: say
- 3rd Person Singular: says
- Present Participle: saying
- Past: said
- Past Participle: said
Word family
Forms
says
verb
saying
verb
said
verb
Related words
say-so
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unsaid
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
hearsay
noun C1
Highlights
- Irregular past: said Verb
- Irregular past participle: said Verb
Expressions
'Say cheese'
1/sˈeɪ t͡ʃˈiz/
fixed phrase
informal
'Smile for the camera' prompt word with 'ee' sound
'Say cheese' is what people tell others before taking a photo so they smile naturally.
Examples
- The photographer told us all to say cheese.
- Say cheese! I'm taking the picture now.
have a say in something
1/hˈæv ə sˈeɪ ˈɪn sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Participate in making a decision about something specific
To be able to give your opinion when something is decided.
Examples
- Teachers should have a say in school policy changes.
- Do we get to have a say in what happens?
have one's say
1/hˈæv wˈʌnz sˈeɪ/
idiom
Express one's opinion fully
To speak and give your opinion before the discussion ends.
Examples
- Everyone will have their say before we vote.
- She insisted on having her say about the plan.
let's say
1/lˈɛts sˈeɪ/
fixed phrase
Introduce a hypothetical example
Use this when giving an example that may not be real.
Examples
- Let's say you have $100—how would you spend it?
- Let's say we meet at 7 p.m. instead.
say no more
1/sˈeɪ nˈoʊ mˈɔɹ/
fixed phrase
informal
No more explanation needed
Used when you understand and agree without needing more details.
Examples
- "It's a secret." "Say no more."
- "I need a break." "Say no more—let's go for coffee."