Using the Indicative for Wishes

'Digan' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when the sentence expresses a wish, doubt, or need involving the actions of 'ellos' (they) or 'ustedes' (you all, formal).

The Special Verb Form (Subjunctive)

The base verb 'decir' (to say/tell) is highly irregular. Notice how the 'c' changes to 'g' in the subjunctive forms (diga, digan) and the 'i' changes to 'j' in the past tenses (dije, dijeron).

Irregularity of Decir

Look for phrases like 'Es necesario que...' (It's necessary that...), 'Dudo que...' (I doubt that...), or 'Espero que...' (I hope that...)—these almost always require 'digan' afterwards.

Trigger Phrases

Extremely common. This is a core verb form used daily, especially in formal speech or when discussing possibilities.

Confusing Formal and Informal Commands

'Digan' is the standard way to give a formal command to a group of people ('ustedes'). Spanish uses the special verb form (subjunctive) for all formal commands, both positive and negative.

Formal Commands

To tell a group of people *not* to say something, just put 'No' in front of 'digan': 'No digan' (Don't say).

Negative Commands are Easy

Very common when giving instructions or making requests to a group of people formally.

'Digan' is a highly common and important form of the verb 'decir' (to say/tell). Learn its use as a formal command (Say!) and as the special verb form (subjunctive) for wishes and doubts.

digan

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations