Inklingo

How to Say "i tell" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i tell” is “digo” — use 'digo' when you are conveying factual information, stating something, or speaking to someone directly..

English → Spanish

digo

/DEE-go//ˈdi.ɣo/

VerbA1General
Use 'digo' when you are conveying factual information, stating something, or speaking to someone directly.
A child happily speaking, with bright, simple shapes representing words floating out of their mouth.

Examples

Yo siempre digo la verdad.

I always tell the truth.

Cada mañana, le digo 'hola' a mi vecino.

Every morning, I say 'hello' to my neighbor.

No te preocupes, yo se lo digo.

Don't worry, I'll tell him/her.

The 'Yo' Form of 'Decir'

'Digo' is the 'I' form of the verb 'decir' (to say/tell) in the present. Notice how the 'c' changes to a 'g'. This 'go' ending for the 'yo' form is common in other important verbs like 'hago' (I do) and 'tengo' (I have).

'Digo' vs. 'Hablo'

Mistake: “Using 'digo' to mean 'I speak (a language)'. For example: 'Digo español.'”

Correction: Use 'hablo' for speaking a language: 'Hablo español.' Use 'digo' for saying specific words or telling information: 'Digo la verdad' (I tell the truth).

cuento

KWEN-toh/ˈkwen̪.t̪o/

VerbA1General
Use 'cuento' when you are narrating or recounting a story, a sequence of events, or counting.
A person's hands actively pointing at and moving a small pile of colorful wooden blocks on a surface, illustrating the action of counting.

Examples

Yo cuento hasta diez antes de abrir los ojos.

I count to ten before opening my eyes.

Te cuento mi día cuando volvamos a casa.

I'll tell you about my day when we get back home.

Cuento contigo para organizar la fiesta de esta noche.

I'm counting on you to organize the party tonight.

Stem-Changing Verb

The verb 'contar' is irregular. When the 'o' is stressed (in most singular forms and the third person plural), it changes to 'ue'. For example, 'Yo cuento', but 'Nosotros contamos'.

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Using 'Yo conto' instead of 'Yo cuento'.”

Correction: Remember the vowel changes from 'o' to 'ue' in the present tense forms except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.

Digo vs. Cuento

Learners often confuse 'digo' and 'cuento' because both can relate to 'telling'. Remember, 'digo' is for stating facts or speaking directly, while 'cuento' is for narrating or counting.

Related Translations

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