How to Say "let's say" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “let's say” is “digamos” — use this when you want to introduce a hypothetical number, amount, or detail as an estimation or a point of clarification, similar to 'for example' or 'roughly'..
digamos
/dee-GAH-mos//diˈɣamos/
Examples
Necesitas, digamos, cinco horas para terminar este proyecto.
You need, let's say, five hours to finish this project.
Fui a la tienda y compré, digamos, pan, leche y huevos.
I went to the store and bought, for example, bread, milk, and eggs.
El vestido es demasiado caro, digamos unos trescientos euros.
The dress is too expensive, approximately three hundred euros.
Es crucial que digamos la verdad en todo momento.
It is crucial that we tell the truth at all times.
Using 'Digamos' as a Filler
'Digamos' is used as a pause filler or a hedge word, similar to saying 'like' or 'I guess' in English when you are making a rough estimate or softening a statement.
Subjunctive Use
As the 'nosotros' form of the present subjunctive, 'digamos' is used after certain phrases that express necessity, emotion, doubt, or when referring to a future or uncertain action (e.g., 'Es necesario que digamos...').
Let's Commands
'Digamos' is also the polite 'let's' command form. It means 'Let us say' or 'Let's say/tell,' urging a group action.
Overuse in Formal Settings
Mistake: “Using 'digamos' too often in formal writing or presentations.”
Correction: Reserve 'digamos' mainly for spoken Spanish or informal settings. In formal writing, use clearer phrases like 'por ejemplo' or 'aproximadamente'.
Using Indicative Instead of Subjunctive
Mistake: “Saying 'Queremos que decimos la verdad' (We want that we say the truth).”
Correction: When the desire ('querer') is aimed at a different subject, the special verb form is required: 'Queremos que digamos la verdad'.
supongamos
/soo-pohn-GAH-mohs//su.ponˈɡa.mos/
Examples
Supongamos que mañana no hay clases.
Let's suppose there are no classes tomorrow.
Supongamos por un momento que él tiene razón.
Let's assume for a moment that he is right.
Supongamos que el plan falla, ¿qué haremos?
Let's say the plan fails, what will we do?
The 'Let's' Command
Even though this is a verb form, when we say 'supongamos,' we are usually making a suggestion to a group, like saying 'let's' in English.
Connecting the Idea
In Spanish, you almost always need the word 'que' (meaning 'that') immediately after 'supongamos' to start your hypothetical sentence.
Missing the 'Que'
Mistake: “Supongamos tú tienes razón.”
Correction: Supongamos QUE tú tienes razón.
digamos
/dee-GAH-mos//diˈɣamos/
Examples
Es crucial que digamos la verdad en todo momento.
It is crucial that we tell the truth at all times.
Necesitas, digamos, cinco horas para terminar este proyecto.
You need, let's say, five hours to finish this project.
Fui a la tienda y compré, digamos, pan, leche y huevos.
I went to the store and bought, for example, bread, milk, and eggs.
El vestido es demasiado caro, digamos unos trescientos euros.
The dress is too expensive, approximately three hundred euros.
Using 'Digamos' as a Filler
'Digamos' is used as a pause filler or a hedge word, similar to saying 'like' or 'I guess' in English when you are making a rough estimate or softening a statement.
Subjunctive Use
As the 'nosotros' form of the present subjunctive, 'digamos' is used after certain phrases that express necessity, emotion, doubt, or when referring to a future or uncertain action (e.g., 'Es necesario que digamos...').
Let's Commands
'Digamos' is also the polite 'let's' command form. It means 'Let us say' or 'Let's say/tell,' urging a group action.
Overuse in Formal Settings
Mistake: “Using 'digamos' too often in formal writing or presentations.”
Correction: Reserve 'digamos' mainly for spoken Spanish or informal settings. In formal writing, use clearer phrases like 'por ejemplo' or 'aproximadamente'.
Using Indicative Instead of Subjunctive
Mistake: “Saying 'Queremos que decimos la verdad' (We want that we say the truth).”
Correction: When the desire ('querer') is aimed at a different subject, the special verb form is required: 'Queremos que digamos la verdad'.
Confusing Hypothetical 'Let's Say' with 'We Should Say'
Related Translations
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