Inklingo

How to Say "you tell" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you tell” is “dices” — use 'dices' when you are directly asking someone what they are saying or stating something to them in an informal context (tú form)..

dices🔊A1

Use 'dices' when you are directly asking someone what they are saying or stating something to them in an informal context (tú form).

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decísA1

Use 'decís' when you are asking someone for their opinion or statement in an informal context, common in some regions (vos form).

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cuentas🔊A2

Use 'cuentas' when you are referring to the act of narrating a story, counting something, or recounting an event (tú form).

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cuentes🔊A2

Use 'cuentes' in the subjunctive mood when expressing a desire or hope that someone will narrate a story or recount an event (tú form).

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digas🔊A2

Use 'digas' in the subjunctive mood, typically when followed by an indirect object, to express a hope or command that someone tells you something (tú form).

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English → Spanish

dices

/DEE-ses//ˈdi.ses/

verbA1informal
Use 'dices' when you are directly asking someone what they are saying or stating something to them in an informal context (tú form).
A child speaking clearly to an adult who is leaning in to listen intently, illustrating the action of 'you say' or 'you tell'.

Examples

¿Qué dices?

What are you saying?

Siempre dices la verdad.

You always tell the truth.

Si me dices que sí, me quedo.

If you tell me yes, I'll stay.

The 'You' Form of 'Decir'

Dices is how you say 'you say' or 'you tell' when talking to one friend or family member (the 'tú' form). It comes from the super common but tricky verb decir.

A Tricky Vowel Change

Notice how the 'e' in decir changes to an 'i' in dices. This is a common pattern for some verbs, but you just have to memorize it for decir.

Mixing up 'Decir' and 'Hablar'

Mistake: “Tú hablas la verdad.”

Correction: Tú `dices` la verdad. Use `decir` for telling specific information, facts, or messages. Use `hablar` for the general act of speaking or talking.

decís

verbA1informal
Use 'decís' when you are asking someone for their opinion or statement in an informal context, common in some regions (vos form).

Examples

¿Qué decís vos sobre este tema?

What do you say about this topic?

cuentas

KWEHN-tas/ˈkwen.tas/

verbA2
Use 'cuentas' when you are referring to the act of narrating a story, counting something, or recounting an event (tú form).
A simple storybook illustration of a child sitting down and pointing to small wooden blocks arranged in a line, performing the action of counting.

Examples

Tú cuentas los votos y yo anoto los resultados.

You count the votes and I write down the results.

¿Le cuentas a alguien este secreto?

Are you telling anyone this secret?

¡Cuentas conmigo para lo que necesites!

You can count/rely on me for whatever you need!

Stem Change Alert (O > UE)

This verb is irregular! The 'o' in the stem changes to 'ue' in most present tense forms, including 'cuentas,' except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms.

Forgetting the 'ue' change

Mistake: “Tú contas.”

Correction: Tú cuentas. Remember to change the vowel sound when talking about what you count or tell.

cuentes

/kwehn-tehs//ˈkwen.tes/

verbA2
Use 'cuentes' in the subjunctive mood when expressing a desire or hope that someone will narrate a story or recount an event (tú form).
A smiling young woman sitting comfortably, gesturing with her hands while speaking, with small, glowing illustrations of a tiny castle and a miniature dragon floating above her head, representing the story she is telling.

Examples

Me gustaría que cuentes la historia desde el principio.

I would like you to tell the story from the beginning.

No cuentes ese secreto a nadie, por favor.

Please, don't tell that secret to anyone.

Subjunctive use for influence

When a sentence starts with phrases showing desire or influence (like 'Me gustaría que...' or 'Quiero que...'), the next verb describing the action ('cuentes') must use the special subjunctive form.

digas

/DEE-gahs//'di.ɣas/

verbA2
Use 'digas' in the subjunctive mood, typically when followed by an indirect object, to express a hope or command that someone tells you something (tú form).
A small child leaning close to another person's ear and whispering a clear, important secret, illustrating the act of telling or saying something based on a wish or desire.

Examples

Espero que me digas la verdad.

I hope that you tell me the truth.

No creo que digas eso en serio.

I don't think you're saying that seriously.

Cuando digas algo, piénsalo bien.

When you say something, think about it carefully.

The 'Wish & Doubt' Verb Form (Subjunctive)

In Spanish, when you express wishes, doubts, emotions, or suggestions about someone else's actions, the verb for that action changes. 'Digas' is this special form for 'tú' (you). For example, 'Quiero que tú digas la verdad' (I want you to tell the truth).

Using 'Dices' Instead of 'Digas'

Mistake: “Quiero que me dices la verdad.”

Correction: Quiero que me **digas** la verdad. After a 'trigger' phrase like 'Quiero que' (I want that...), Spanish requires this special 'digas' form, not the regular 'dices'.

Indicative vs. Subjunctive Mood

The most common error is confusing the indicative forms ('dices', 'cuentas') with the subjunctive forms ('digas', 'cuentes'). Remember that 'digas' and 'cuentes' are used after expressions of emotion, doubt, or desire, often with 'que', while 'dices' and 'cuentas' are for direct statements or questions.

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