dime
/DEE-meh/
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Dime la verdad.
A1Tell me the truth.
Por favor, dime qué hora es.
A1Please, tell me what time it is.
Dime qué piensas sobre esto.
A2Tell me what you think about this.
Si necesitas algo, solo dime.
B1If you need anything, just tell me.
💡 Grammar Points
Command + Pronoun = One Word
In Spanish, when you give a positive command and want to say who it's for (like 'me'), you attach that little word directly to the end of the verb. So, the command 'di' (tell) + 'me' (to me) becomes one word: 'dime'.
The Short, Irregular Command 'di'
The verb 'decir' (to say/tell) has a very short and special command form for 'tú' (you, informal): just 'di'. You just have to memorize this one!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'dime' in Formal Situations
Mistake: "Using 'dime' with a stranger, an older person, or a boss."
Correction: In formal situations, use 'dígame'. This is the command for 'usted' (you, formal). Notice how an accent mark is added to keep the sound right.
Negative Commands are Different
Mistake: "Saying 'No dime la respuesta.'"
Correction: For negative commands, the pronoun goes *before* the verb and the verb form changes. The correct way is: 'No me digas la respuesta' (Don't tell me the answer).
⭐ Usage Tips
Answering the Phone in Spain
In Spain, it's very common for people to answer the phone by saying '¿Dígame?' or, more informally, '¿Dime?'. It works like saying 'Hello?' and invites the caller to speak.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: dime
Question 1 of 2
You're talking to your professor and want to ask them to tell you their email address. What do you say?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it 'dime' and not 'dice me'?
'Dime' is a command, an instruction for someone to do something. It comes from the special command form 'di'. 'Dice' means 'he/she says' and is just a statement, not a command. In Spanish, commands often have their own unique verb forms.
Is 'dime' rude?
Not at all, as long as you use it with the right person! It's the standard, friendly way to ask a friend, family member, or someone your age to tell you something. Just remember to switch to the more polite 'dígame' for strangers, elders, or in professional settings.
What's the difference between 'dime' and 'cuéntame'?
Think of 'dime' as being for short, factual information ('tell me the time', 'tell me your name'). 'Cuéntame' is more like 'tell me a story' or 'tell me about it'. You use 'cuéntame' when you want someone to narrate something, like what happened at the party or how their trip was.