Inklingo

How to Say "tell me" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “tell me” is “dime” — use this for a direct, informal command or request to tell someone something, like a piece of information or the truth..

dime🔊A1

Use this for a direct, informal command or request to tell someone something, like a piece of information or the truth.

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cuéntameA1

Use this when you want someone to recount a story, share details, or explain something in depth.

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dígameA1

This is the formal version of 'dime', used when addressing someone you don't know well, someone older, or in a professional setting.

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avísameA2

Use this to ask someone to notify you or let you know about something in the future, often about an event or arrival.

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dame🔊A1

This is a direct command to 'give me' something, which can include information that is possessed, like a phone number or a book.

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háblameA1

Use this when you want someone to speak to you, often to provide comfort, reassurance, or more detailed information.

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mande🔊A1

This is a polite, often brief, response used to indicate you're listening and ready for someone to continue speaking, especially in Mexico and Central America.

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English → Spanish

dime

/DEE-meh//ˈdi.me/

VerbA1Informal
Use this for a direct, informal command or request to tell someone something, like a piece of information or the truth.
A child with a curious expression leaning their ear towards another child who is cupping their hand and whispering a secret, illustrating the command 'tell me'.

Examples

Dime la hora, por favor.

Tell me the time, please.

Dime la verdad.

Tell me the truth.

Por favor, dime qué hora es.

Please, tell me what time it is.

Dime qué piensas sobre esto.

Tell me what you think about this.

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!

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).

cuéntame

VerbA1Informal
Use this when you want someone to recount a story, share details, or explain something in depth.

Examples

Llegaste tarde, ¿por qué? ¡Cuéntame todo!

You arrived late, why? Tell me everything!

dígame

Verb PhraseA1Formal
This is the formal version of 'dime', used when addressing someone you don't know well, someone older, or in a professional setting.

Examples

—¿Hola? —Dígame, ¿en qué puedo ayudarle?

—Hello? —Yes, how can I help you?

avísame

VerbA2Informal
Use this to ask someone to notify you or let you know about something in the future, often about an event or arrival.

Examples

Avísame cuando llegues a casa.

Let me know when you get home.

dame

/DAH-meh//ˈda.me/

Verb (Command Form)A1Informal
This is a direct command to 'give me' something, which can include information that is possessed, like a phone number or a book.
A simple storybook illustration showing one person handing a bright red apple to another person, symbolizing the fulfillment of the command 'give me'.

Examples

Dame el libro, por favor.

Give me the book, please.

Dame un minuto, ya casi termino.

Give me a minute, I'm almost done.

Si tienes frío, dame la mano.

If you're cold, give me your hand.

Two Words in One!

'Dame' is actually two words squished together: 'da' (the command 'give') and 'me' ('to me' or 'me'). When you give a positive command in Spanish, you attach these little words directly to the end of the verb.

Informal 'You' (tú)

'Dame' is the command you use with friends, family, or people your age (the 'tú' form). For someone you'd address as 'usted' (like a boss or a stranger), you would say 'déme'.

Negative Commands are Different

Mistake: “No dame eso.”

Correction: No me des eso. (Don't give me that.) For negative commands ('don't do something'), the little word 'me' moves to the front of the verb, and the verb form changes. They don't stick together like they do for positive commands.

'dame' vs. 'darme'

Mistake: “Quiero dame un regalo.”

Correction: Quiero darme un regalo. (I want to give myself a gift.) 'Dame' is only for commands. When it follows another verb like 'quiero' (I want) or 'puedes' (you can), you need the base form 'darme'.

háblame

VerbA1Informal
Use this when you want someone to speak to you, often to provide comfort, reassurance, or more detailed information.

Examples

Estoy muy preocupado. Por favor, háblame.

I'm very worried. Please, talk to me.

mande

/mahn-deh//ˈmande/

InterjectionA1Formal/Polite
This is a polite, often brief, response used to indicate you're listening and ready for someone to continue speaking, especially in Mexico and Central America.
A person leaning in with a hand cupped behind their ear, looking curious and attentive.

Examples

—¡Juan! —¿Mande?

—Juan! —Yes? (What is it?)

—¿Puedes cerrar la puerta? —¡Mande! No te escuché.

—Can you close the door? —Pardon? I didn't hear you.

A Polite Fixed Phrase

Even though this word looks like a verb, it is used here as a set phrase to show respect when you don't hear someone or are answering a call.

Don't use it everywhere

Mistake: “Using 'mande' in Spain or Argentina.”

Correction: In Spain, people usually say '¿qué?' or '¿perdona?'. Using 'mande' might make you sound like you are from a much older generation or from Mexico.

Dime vs. Cuéntame

Learners often confuse 'dime' (tell me a fact) and 'cuéntame' (tell me a story or details). Remember 'dime' is for quick information, while 'cuéntame' implies a longer explanation or narrative.

Related Translations

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