Inklingo

digan

DEE-gahnˈdi.ɣan

digan means (that) they say in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

(that) they say, (that) you all say/tell

Also: (that) they might say, let them say
VerbB1highly irregular ir
Three people gathered, two are looking expectantly at the third person who is preparing to speak, representing the subjunctive idea of 'that they say'.
infinitivedecir
gerunddiciendo
past Participledicho

📝 In Action

Quiero que me digan la verdad.

B1

I want them to tell me the truth.

Es posible que digan que no.

B1

It is possible that they say no.

No importa lo que digan los demás.

B2

It doesn't matter what others say.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • expresen ((that) they express)
  • comuniquen ((that) they communicate)

Common Collocations

  • que digan la verdadthat they tell the truth
  • lo que diganwhat they say

Say!, Tell!

VerbA2highly irregular irformal
A formally dressed teacher standing in front of three students, using a commanding gesture to instruct them to speak.
infinitivedecir
gerunddiciendo
past Participledicho

📝 In Action

Digan sus nombres antes de empezar.

A2

Say your names before starting. (Formal command to 'you all'.)

No digan nada hasta que yo les avise.

B1

Don't say anything until I tell you. (Negative formal command to 'you all'.)

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • Digan presenteSay 'present' (when taking attendance)

Indicative

Present

yodigo
dices
él/ella/usteddice
nosotrosdecimos
vosotrosdecís
ellos/ellas/ustedesdicen

Imperfect

yodecía
decías
él/ella/usteddecía
nosotrosdecíamos
vosotrosdecíais
ellos/ellas/ustedesdecían

Preterite

yodije
dijiste
él/ella/usteddijo
nosotrosdijimos
vosotrosdijisteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesdijeron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yodiga
digas
él/ella/usteddiga
nosotrosdigamos
vosotrosdigáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesdigan

Imperfect Subjunctive

yodijera/dijese
dijeras/dijeses
él/ella/usteddijera/dijese
nosotrosdijéramos/dijésemos
vosotrosdijerais/dijeseis
ellos/ellas/ustedesdijeran/dijesen

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "digan" in Spanish:

tell!

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: digan

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'digan' as a formal command?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

The verb 'decir' comes directly from the Latin verb *dīcere*, meaning 'to say' or 'to tell.' The irregularity in Spanish (like the 'g' in 'digan' and 'digo') developed over centuries as the Latin root evolved.

First recorded: 10th century (as *dezir*)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: dizerItalian: dire

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does 'digan' use a 'g' when the infinitive is 'decir'?

The verb 'decir' is highly irregular. The 'g' sound in forms like 'digan' and 'digo' (I say) comes from the ancient Latin root. It's simply a strong pattern you must memorize: when the root changes to 'dig-', you know you are using the special verb forms (subjunctive or commands).

Is 'digan' always formal?

'Digan' is the 3rd person plural special verb form. It is formal only when used as a command for 'ustedes' (you all, formal). When used for 'ellos/ellas' (they), it is simply the required verb form for wishes, doubts, or emotions.