say
say — verb
1. to use your voice to produce words or sentences, telling someone something or gi
to use your voice to produce words or sentences, telling someone something or giving information.
Lucía said goodbye to her classmates before leaving the school.
say + goodbye [+ to someone] — common fixed phrase for parting
The teacher said that the exam would be next Monday.
say + that-clause for reporting what someone told you
Mark said something quietly, but nobody could hear him.
say + something — unspecified content
What did Mayumi say when you told her the news?
- say goodbye
- say something
- say a word
- say yes/no
- say sorry
- remain silent
to not say anything
Grammar Patterns
say + something
say + that-clause
say + to someone
Usage Note
Unlike 'tell', 'say' does NOT need an indirect object before the content. Compare: 'He said (that) he was tired.' vs 'He told me (that) he was tired.'
Common Mistakes
2. to have a particular opinion or belief about something, especially based on what
to have a particular opinion or belief about something, especially based on what others think or on general knowledge.
The newspaper says that the economy is getting better.
inanimate subject + say + that-clause for reported opinion
I would say this is the best restaurant in town, but the prices are quite high.
I would say — softening a personal opinion
They say that walking for thirty minutes a day is good for your health.
they say — impersonal belief or common knowledge
Kwame said he thought the movie was too long, but Élise disagreed.
- I would say
- they say
- people say
Grammar Patterns
say + that-clause
be said to be
Usage Note
Common in the fixed expression 'they say / people say' to refer to general belief or common knowledge, not a specific speaker.
3. to openly state your opinion, suggestion, or judgment on a matter, especially wh
to openly state your opinion, suggestion, or judgment on a matter, especially when asked or in a discussion.
Aylin said at the meeting that the project needed more time.
say + that-clause for stating an opinion in a discussion
I would just like to say that the new policy seems unfair to part-time workers.
would like to say — polite way to introduce an opinion
Eitan said what everyone was thinking — that the schedule was too tight.
Do you have anything to say about the proposed changes?
have something/anything to say — asking for an opinion
- have something to say
- just like to say
- say what you think
Grammar Patterns
say + that-clause
say + what/where/whether
have something to say
Usage Note
Often used in discussion contexts (meetings, debates) where a person gives their view. The fixed phrase 'have a lot to say about something' suggests strong feelings toward a topic.
Common Mistakes
4. to communicate a feeling, thought, or attitude through facial expressions, body
to communicate a feeling, thought, or attitude through facial expressions, body movements, or other signals rather than spoken words.
Jisoo's smile said more than any words could express.
body part / expression + says — non-verbal communication metaphor
The look on Lakshmi's face said she was not happy with the decision.
Tendai's tired eyes said that he had been working all night.
The way Ezra hugged his grandmother said how much he had missed her.
the way someone does something + says — actions reveal feelings
- face says
- eyes say
- smile says
- look says
- show
less poetic; used in both spoken and written English
- reveal
stronger emphasis on making something known that was hidden
- communicate
broader, covering both verbal and non-verbal expression
Grammar Patterns
body part + says + (that)
Usage Note
Subject is typically a facial feature (face, eyes, smile), a gesture, or a person's general manner. Often used to describe emotions someone is not expressing verbally.
5. used in the passive form to report what people generally believe or think about
used in the passive form to report what people generally believe or think about someone or something, without naming who believes it.
The old castle is said to be haunted by a ghost.
be said to be — passive structure for general belief
Constanza is said to be one of the best violinists in the country.
The painting is said to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
be said to have — for past events believed by many
That area of the city is said to be quite dangerous after dark.
- is said to be
- is said to have
- are said to
- reportedly
adverb used with other verbs, e.g. 'she is reportedly dating him'
- rumored
suggests the belief may not be true
- believed to be
more direct synonym for 'said to be'
Grammar Patterns
be said to be
be said to have
Usage Note
Only the passive form 'be said' is used in this sense. The active form with 'people' ('people say') can sometimes replace it, but 'be said to' is more formal and common in writing.
Common Mistakes
6. if a sign, clock, notice, or other object says something, it shows or gives that
if a sign, clock, notice, or other object says something, it shows or gives that information in written form or through its display.
The sign on the door says Private — No Entry.
inanimate subject + says — signs display information
My watch says it is already half past seven.
The invitation says that the party starts at eight o'clock.
The notice on the wall says all visitors must sign in at the front desk.
inanimate subject + says + that-clause — documents provide rules
- sign says
- watch says
- notice says
- letter says
- ticket says
Grammar Patterns
sign/watch/notice + says + (that)
Usage Note
This sense only works with non-living subjects that display information. You cannot use 'say' this way for sounds or smells ('The bell says lunch is ready' is incorrect — use 'means' instead).
Common Mistakes
7. to show or suggest a particular quality, characteristic, or inner state of someo
to show or suggest a particular quality, characteristic, or inner state of someone or something by being observed.
Ezra's careful preparation said a lot about his dedication to the job.
say a lot about — fixed expression for revealing character
The empty fridge said that no one had been home for days.
Aylin's decision to volunteer on weekends says a lot about her kindness.
The condition of the furniture says how long the house has been empty.
- say a lot about
- say something about
- say nothing about
- says much about
Grammar Patterns
something + says + a lot/about
Usage Note
Most common in the fixed phrase 'say a lot / something / nothing about' to comment on the meaning behind observable facts. The subject is always an action, situation, or object — not a person directly.
Common Mistakes
that is to say
idiomused to introduce a clearer or more detailed explanation of what you have just said.
We need to leave on Friday — that is to say, two days from now.
The project was a failure; that is to say, it did not meet any of its goals.
needless to say
idiomused to show that the statement you are about to make is obvious or already known to the listener.
Needless to say, Mark was very disappointed when he lost the match.
Needless to say, everyone was impressed by Mayumi's presentation.
to say the least
idiomused to suggest that the reality is even stronger or more extreme than what you have just described.
The traffic was terrible, to say the least — we were stuck for three hours.
His reaction to the news was surprising, to say the least.
used to strongly agree with what someone has just said.
"This weather is awful!" "You can say that again — I am freezing."
"The exam was really hard." "You can say that again! I could not answer half the questions."
Something is much more difficult to actually do than to talk about.
Losing weight is easier said than done for many people.
Maya thought quitting her job would be simple, but it was easier said than done.
Very quickly or in a very short time.
The cat disappeared before you could say Jack Robinson.
Before you can say Jack Robinson, the train will have left the station.
enough said
idiomUsed to indicate that you understand the situation and no further explanation is needed.
He's always late for meetings. Enough said.
The boss mentioned budget cuts. Enough said, we knew what that meant.
go without saying
idiomTo be very obvious or easily understood without needing to be stated.
It goes without saying that you should arrive on time.
Her dedication to the project goes without saying.
To be willing or unwilling to talk or give your opinion about something.
He had nothing to say for himself during the meeting.
What do you have to say for yourself about the broken window?
To be angry and want to express that anger to someone about something.
My parents will have something to say about my grades.
The coach had something to say to the team about their poor performance.
Used to introduce an opinion that makes a previous statement seem less strong.
The movie was too long. Having said that, the acting was excellent.
That said, we still need to consider the budget.
I dare say
idiomUsed to say that something is likely or probable.
I dare say you are right about the weather.
I dare say she will arrive soon.
Used to politely introduce a criticism or something that might upset someone.
If you don't mind my saying so, that dress doesn't suit you.
If you don't mind me saying so, your report needs more detail.
Used to tell someone that you have listened to their opinion, especially before expressing a different one.
I hear what you're saying, but I disagree.
I hear what you're saying, yet we must follow the rules.
I’ll say!
idiomUsed to strongly agree with a statement, meaning 'yes' emphatically.
Was the concert amazing? I'll say!
Do you like chocolate? I'll say!
Used to express happiness about a situation when commenting on it.
I'm glad to say that everyone passed the exam.
I'm glad to say the project was completed on time.
I’m sorry to say
idiomUsed to express disappointment about something.
I'm sorry to say that the event was cancelled.
I'm sorry to say, but your application was rejected.
I must say
idiomUsed to emphasize an opinion or statement.
I must say, this is the best cake I've ever tasted.
I must say, I'm impressed by your progress.
I say
idiomUsed to express surprise, shock, or to get someone's attention.
I say! That's a beautiful painting.
I say, could you help me with this box?
It shows a good or bad quality that someone or something has.
It says a lot for her that she never gave up.
It says very little for their honesty that they lied.
Used to say that you would like something or accept an offer.
I wouldn't say no to a cup of tea.
Would you like some cake? I wouldn't say no.
A bad situation will be forgotten most quickly if nothing more is said about it.
After the argument, they agreed that least said soonest mended.
Let's not discuss it further; least said soonest mended.
The best thing to do is to say as little as possible about something.
About the mistake, the less said the better.
When it comes to gossip, the least said the better.
let's just say
idiomUsed to suggest that you could say something more or worse but prefer not to.
Let's just say the meeting didn't go well.
Let's just say he was not happy with the result.
let us say
idiomUsed when making a suggestion or giving an example.
Let us say you win the lottery, what would you do?
For example, let us say the cost is around $100.
mean to say
idiomUsed to emphasize what you are saying or to ask if someone really means it.
Do you mean to say you forgot the tickets?
I mean to say, you should have known better.
never say die
idiomDo not stop hoping; keep trying.
Never say die! We can still win the game.
Even when things are tough, never say die.
Something was or will be done immediately after being mentioned.
He asked for coffee, and no sooner said than done.
No sooner said than done, the repairs were finished.
To never say anything positive about someone or something.
She doesn't have a good word to say for her boss.
He never has a good word to say about modern art.
To be very shy or gentle.
My little sister wouldn't say boo to a goose.
He's so quiet he wouldn't say boo to a goose.
not to say
idiomUsed to introduce a stronger way of describing something.
It's difficult, not to say impossible.
The situation is serious, not to say dangerous.
say cheese
idiomUsed to ask someone to smile before taking their photograph.
Everyone, say cheese for the photo!
The photographer told us to say cheese.
say a mouthful
idiomTo say something important or meaningful.
You said a mouthful when you mentioned the budget.
She said a mouthful about the need for change.
To refuse an offer or suggestion.
She said no to the job offer.
He said no to the extra work.
say no more
idiomUsed to indicate that you understand exactly what someone means and no further explanation is needed.
He mentioned the late nights. Say no more.
She hinted at the surprise party. Say no more.
say your piece
idiomTo say exactly what you feel or think.
He said his piece and then left the room.
She said her piece about the new policy.
say what?
idiomUsed to express surprise at what someone has just said.
He's moving to Japan? Say what?
She won the lottery? Say what?
say when
idiomUsed to ask someone to tell you when to stop pouring a drink or serving food.
I'm pouring the wine; say when.
Say when you have enough rice.
say/give the word
idiomTo give an order or make a request.
Just say the word and I'll help you.
Give the word and we'll start the project.
Used to suggest that what you say is enough to explain, even though you could say more.
Suffice it to say that the party was a disaster.
Suffice to say, we were not impressed.
Used to introduce an opinion that makes a previous statement seem less strong.
The plan is risky. That said, it could work.
Having said that, we should still try.
Used to say that something is not very unusual or special.
He's taller than me, but that's not saying much.
She's a better cook than I am, but that's not saying much.
there’s no saying
idiomUsed to say that it is impossible to predict what might happen.
There's no saying what the weather will be like.
There's no saying how he will react.
There are good or not good reasons for doing or believing something.
There's something to be said for taking a break.
There's not much to be said for that idea.
Used to introduce an additional fact that makes a situation even more extreme.
The hotel was expensive, to say nothing of the food.
He was late, to say nothing of his rude behavior.
well said!
idiomUsed to express strong agreement with what someone has said.
Well said! I completely agree with you.
Well said, that was a great point.
Used to ask someone if they would like something or to do something.
What do you say to going for a walk?
What would you say to a cup of coffee?
whatever you say
idiomUsed to agree to someone's suggestion because you do not want to argue.
Whatever you say, I'll follow your lead.
Whatever you say, I don't want to fight.
When everything is considered; ultimately.
When all is said and done, family is what matters.
When all is said and done, we did our best.
who can say (…)?
idiomUsed to say that nobody knows the answer to a question.
Who can say what the future holds?
Who can say if it will rain tomorrow?
who says (…)?
idiomUsed to disagree with a statement or opinion.
Who says I can't do it?
Who says we have to follow the rules?
who’s to say (…)?
idiomUsed to say that something might happen or might have happened in a particular way, because nobody really knows.
Who's to say we wouldn't have succeeded?
Who's to say it won't work?
Used to say that an offer is reasonable or generous.
I'll give you $50 for it. You can't say fairer than that.
He offered to help for free. You can't say fairer.
you don’t say!
idiomUsed to express surprise, sometimes sarcastically.
She's getting married? You don't say!
He won the race? You don't say!
you said it!
idiomUsed to strongly agree with someone, especially when they say something negative about themselves.
I'm not the best cook. You said it!
This is the worst movie. You said it!
A specific person's decisions or commands must be followed without question.
In our house, whatever Dad says goes, no arguments allowed.
At the lab, what Dr. Chen says goes, so follow her instructions carefully.
say — exclamation
1. uttered as an exclamation to show surprise, delight, or to direct someone's focu
uttered as an exclamation to show surprise, delight, or to direct someone's focus toward what you will say next.
Say! I just remembered that I left my wallet at home.
exclamation — expressing sudden recollection
Say, that is a beautiful painting! Where did you buy it?
Say, is that Lucía over there by the coffee shop?
Say, I never expected to run into you here!
say — noun
1. the right or opportunity to express your opinion and influence a decision that a
the right or opportunity to express your opinion and influence a decision that affects you.
As a member of the club, you have a say in how the money is spent.
have a say in — right to influence decisions
The employees want more say in the company's policies.
Parents should have a say in what their children learn at school.
The residents demanded a say in the new park design.
- have a say
- get a say
- want a say
- demand a say
- some say
- no say
being excluded from decision-making
Grammar Patterns
have a say (in something)
get a say
Usage Note
Almost always used in the singular, usually with 'a' or 'some'. 'Have a say' is a fixed collocation. The verb that follows is typically 'in + noun/gerund'.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: verb/1
Say is the most neutral and common verb for communicating with words. Speak is slightly more formal and focuses on the act of talking rather than the content — you 'speak a language' but 'say a word'. Tell always needs a listener object ('tell someone something') and is used for giving information, instructions, or stories. Talk is more conversational and often used without a specific message ('talk about the weather'). State is the most formal, used in official or written contexts for presenting facts clearly. For example: 'She said she was tired' (neutral), 'She told me she was tired' (specifies listener), 'She spoke for an hour' (focus on act), 'She stated her position in writing' (formal).
Common collocations
Etymology
Say comes from Old English secgan, meaning 'to speak, tell, announce'. It traces back through Proto-Germanic *sagjaną to the Proto-Indo-European root *sekʷ-, meaning 'to say, utter'. This ancient root also gave rise to Latin inquit ('he said') and German sagen ('to say'), making it one of the oldest and most stable words in the Germanic language family.