digamos
“digamos” means “let's say” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
let's say, for example
Also: approximately, sort of
📝 In Action
Necesitas, digamos, cinco horas para terminar este proyecto.
B1You need, let's say, five hours to finish this project.
Fui a la tienda y compré, digamos, pan, leche y huevos.
A2I went to the store and bought, for example, bread, milk, and eggs.
El vestido es demasiado caro, digamos unos trescientos euros.
B2The dress is too expensive, approximately three hundred euros.
that we say, let's say
Also: that we tell
📝 In Action
Es crucial que digamos la verdad en todo momento.
B2It is crucial that we tell the truth at all times.
Digamos algo diferente para no aburrir a la audiencia.
B1Let's say something different so we don't bore the audience.
Ojalá que no digamos nada incorrecto.
B2I hope that we don't say anything incorrect.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: digamos
Question 1 of 1
Which of these uses 'digamos' as a fixed phrase meaning 'approximately' or 'let's say,' rather than a literal command?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the verb *decir* (to say/tell), which in turn comes from the Latin *dicere*, meaning 'to say' or 'to proclaim.' The irregular conjugation of *decir* (where the 'c' changes to 'g') is inherited from old Latin patterns.
First recorded: Decir (and its forms) have been in use since early Old Spanish (around the 10th century).
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'digamos' a common word?
Yes, extremely common. While its root verb, 'decir,' is fundamental (A1), the specific form 'digamos' is a crucial conversational tool (B1/B2) often used to introduce approximations or examples, making conversation sound much more natural.
Why does 'decir' change from 'c' to 'g' in 'digamos'?
The verb 'decir' is highly irregular, especially in its 'yo' form (digo) and the entire present subjunctive (diga, digamos, etc.). This irregularity is inherited from the ancient Latin root *dicere*, where some forms had a hard 'g' or 'k' sound that Spanish preserved in these specific conjugations.