dilo
DEE-loh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
No te quedes callado. ¡Dilo ya!
A1Don't stay quiet. Say it now!
Sé que sabes la verdad. Solo dilo.
A2I know you know the truth. Just tell it.
¿Qué te pasó? Dilo, por favor.
A1What happened to you? Tell me, please.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Verb + Pronoun' Structure
This word is actually two parts stuck together: 'di' (the informal command for 'say') and 'lo' (meaning 'it'). In Spanish commands, the pronoun always attaches directly to the end.
Base Verb
The command 'di' comes from the irregular verb 'decir' (to say or tell). It is one of the shortest, strongest informal commands in Spanish.
Stress and Pronunciation
When you stick 'di' and 'lo' together, the stress stays on the first syllable (DÍ-lo). Even though the stress is on 'di', no written accent is needed because the resulting two-syllable word ends in a vowel.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Separating the Parts
Mistake: "Do not say 'Di lo' (as two separate words) when giving a command."
Correction: The pronoun must be attached to the command, making it one word: 'Dilo'. This is only true for affirmative commands (telling someone to do something).
Using the Wrong Pronoun
Mistake: "Using 'dila' when referring to a masculine topic (e.g., el secreto)."
Correction: Use 'lo' when the thing being said is general information or a masculine noun (el chiste). Use 'la' for feminine nouns (la verdad), resulting in 'dila'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Adding Urgency
Adding 'ya' (now) or 'de una vez' (once and for all) emphasizes that you want the person to speak immediately: '¡Dilo ya!'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dilo
Question 1 of 1
If you want to tell your friend to 'Say the truth' (la verdad), what command form would you use?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'dilo' ever need a written accent mark?
No. The word 'dilo' stresses the first syllable ('DI-lo'). Because it is a two-syllable word ending in a vowel, it follows the standard Spanish stress rules and does not require an accent mark. However, if you added another pronoun, like 'dímelo' (tell it to me), the stress shifts further back and *does* require an accent.