digan
/DEE-gahn/
(that) they say
This image shows the anticipation that they say something, capturing the idea of necessity or desire embedded in the subjunctive mood.
digan(Verb)
(that) they say
?expressing desire, doubt, or necessity
,(that) you all say/tell
?formal plural usage (ustedes)
(that) they might say
?expressing possibility
,let them say
?expressing permission or concession
📝 In Action
Quiero que me digan la verdad.
B1I want them to tell me the truth.
Es posible que digan que no.
B1It is possible that they say no.
No importa lo que digan los demás.
B2It doesn't matter what others say.
💡 Grammar Points
The Special Verb Form (Subjunctive)
'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).
Irregularity of Decir
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).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the Indicative for Wishes
Mistake: "Quiero que ellos dicen la hora."
Correction: Quiero que ellos digan la hora. (The verb after 'Quiero que' must switch to the special form 'digan'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Trigger Phrases
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.
The teacher's gesture represents the formal command, 'Say!' directed at the group of students.
digan(Verb)
Say!
?Formal command to a group (ustedes)
,Tell!
?Formal command to a group (ustedes)
📝 In Action
Digan sus nombres antes de empezar.
A2Say your names before starting. (Formal command to 'you all'.)
No digan nada hasta que yo les avise.
B1Don't say anything until I tell you. (Negative formal command to 'you all'.)
💡 Grammar Points
Formal 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.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Formal and Informal Commands
Mistake: "Dicen sus nombres. (Using the present tense indicative instead of the command form.)"
Correction: Digan sus nombres. (You must use the 'digan' form when giving a command to 'ustedes'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Negative Commands are Easy
To tell a group of people not to say something, just put 'No' in front of 'digan': 'No digan' (Don't say).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: digan
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'digan' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
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.