say
say — 動詞
1. to use your voice to produce words or sentences, telling someone something or gi
說；講
用嘴巴說出話語或聲音
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.
Lucía 在離開學校前跟同學們說再見。
say + goodbye [+ to someone] — common fixed phrase for parting
The teacher said that the exam would be next Monday.
老師說考試在下週一舉行。
say + that-clause for reporting what someone told you
Mark said something quietly, but nobody could hear him.
Mark 輕聲說了句話，但沒有人聽得見。
say + something — unspecified content
What did Mayumi say when you told her the news?
你告訴 Mayumi 這個消息時，她說了什麼？
- say goodbye
- say something
- say a word
- say yes/no
- say sorry
- remain silent
to not say anything
文法句型
say + something
say + that-clause
say + to someone
用法筆記
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.'
常見錯誤
2. to have a particular opinion or belief about something, especially based on what
認為；猜想
表達個人看法或推測
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.
報紙說經濟正在好轉。
inanimate subject + say + that-clause for reported opinion
I would say this is the best restaurant in town, but the prices are quite high.
我會說這是鎮上最好的餐廳，不過價格有點高。
I would say — softening a personal opinion
They say that walking for thirty minutes a day is good for your health.
大家都說每天走路三十分鐘有益健康。
they say — impersonal belief or common knowledge
Kwame said he thought the movie was too long, but Élise disagreed.
Kwame 說他覺得電影太長了，但 Élise 不同意。
- I would say
- they say
- people say
文法句型
say + that-clause
be said to be
用法筆記
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
表示；發言
表達意見或建議
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.
Aylin 在會議上表示這個案子需要更多時間。
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.
我想說的是，這項新政策對兼職員工似乎不太公平。
would like to say — polite way to introduce an opinion
Eitan said what everyone was thinking — that the schedule was too tight.
Eitan 說出了大家的心聲——這個時間表排得太緊了。
Do you have anything to say about the proposed changes?
對於這些擬議的變更，你有什麼想說的嗎？
have something/anything to say — asking for an opinion
- have something to say
- just like to say
- say what you think
文法句型
say + that-clause
say + what/where/whether
have something to say
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
4. to communicate a feeling, thought, or attitude through facial expressions, body
流露；表現
用表情或動作傳達感受
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.
Jisoo 的笑容傳達了千言萬語。
body part / expression + says — non-verbal communication metaphor
The look on Lakshmi's face said she was not happy with the decision.
Lakshmi 臉上的表情顯示她對這個決定不滿意。
Tendai's tired eyes said that he had been working all night.
Tendai 疲倦的眼神說明他工作了一整夜。
The way Ezra hugged his grandmother said how much he had missed her.
Ezra 擁抱祖母的方式顯露出他有多想念她。
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
文法句型
body part + says + (that)
用法筆記
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
據說；被認為
被普遍認為或被相信
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.
這座古城堡據說有鬼魂出沒。
be said to be — passive structure for general belief
Constanza is said to be one of the best violinists in the country.
Constanza 被認為是全國最優秀的小提琴家之一。
The painting is said to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
這幅畫據說是達文西本人畫的。
be said to have — for past events believed by many
That area of the city is said to be quite dangerous after dark.
那個地區據說天黑後相當危險。
- 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'
文法句型
be said to be
be said to have
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
6. if a sign, clock, notice, or other object says something, it shows or gives that
寫明；標示
文字或標誌顯示資訊
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.
門上的標示寫著「私人區域——禁止進入」。
inanimate subject + says — signs display information
My watch says it is already half past seven.
我的手錶顯示已經七點半了。
The invitation says that the party starts at eight o'clock.
邀請函上寫著派對在八點開始。
The notice on the wall says all visitors must sign in at the front desk.
牆上的公告寫明所有訪客必須在櫃檯登記。
inanimate subject + says + that-clause — documents provide rules
- sign says
- watch says
- notice says
- letter says
- ticket says
文法句型
sign/watch/notice + says + (that)
用法筆記
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).
常見錯誤
7. to show or suggest a particular quality, characteristic, or inner state of someo
顯示；說明
顯示某種特質或狀態
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.
Ezra 的充分準備說明了他對這份工作的投入。
say a lot about — fixed expression for revealing character
The empty fridge said that no one had been home for days.
空空的冰箱顯示已經好幾天沒人回家了。
Aylin's decision to volunteer on weekends says a lot about her kindness.
Aylin 週末去當志工的決定充分展現了她的善良。
The condition of the furniture says how long the house has been empty.
家具的狀況說明了這棟房子空置了多久。
- say a lot about
- say something about
- say nothing about
- says much about
文法句型
something + says + a lot/about
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
that is to say
idiomused to introduce a clearer or more detailed explanation of what you have just said.
也就是說
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.
不用說；當然
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.
至少可以說
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.
你說得沒錯；說得對
"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.
說起來容易做起來難
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.
轉眼之間
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.
不用多說
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.
不言而喻
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.
為自己辯解
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.
有意見要說
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.
話雖如此
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.
我敢說
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.
恕我直言
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.
我明白你的意思
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.
當然！
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.
我很高興地說
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.
很遺憾地說
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.
我必須說
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.
哎呀
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.
這說明了很多
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.
我不會拒絕
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.
少說為妙
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.
越少說越好
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.
只能說
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.
比方說
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.
意思是說
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.
永不放棄
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.
說做就做
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.
沒有一句好話
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.
非常害羞
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.
甚至可以說
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.
說茄子
Everyone, say cheese for the photo!
The photographer told us to say cheese.
say a mouthful
idiomTo say something important or meaningful.
說得對極了
You said a mouthful when you mentioned the budget.
She said a mouthful about the need for change.
To refuse an offer or suggestion.
拒絕
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.
不用再說了
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.
說出心聲
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.
什麼？
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.
夠了就說
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.
發號施令
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.
只需說
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.
話雖如此
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.
這不算什麼
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.
說不準
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.
有道理
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.
更不用說
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.
說得好！
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.
你覺得怎麼樣
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.
隨你怎麼說
Whatever you say, I'll follow your lead.
Whatever you say, I don't want to fight.
When everything is considered; ultimately.
歸根結底
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.
誰知道呢
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.
誰說的
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.
誰能說
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.
不能再公平了
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.
真的嗎？
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.
你說對了！
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.
某人說了算
In our house, whatever Dad says goes, no arguments allowed.
At the lab, what Dr. Chen says goes, so follow her instructions carefully.
say — 感嘆詞
1. uttered as an exclamation to show surprise, delight, or to direct someone's focu
哎呀；喂
表示驚訝、喜悅或引起注意
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.
哎呀！我剛想起來我把錢包放在家裡了。
exclamation — expressing sudden recollection
Say, that is a beautiful painting! Where did you buy it?
喂，那幅畫真漂亮！你在哪裡買的？
Say, is that Lucía over there by the coffee shop?
喂，咖啡店那邊的是不是 Lucía？
Say, I never expected to run into you here!
哎呀，真沒想到會在這裡遇到你！
say — 名詞
1. the right or opportunity to express your opinion and influence a decision that a
發言權
表達意見及參與決定的權利
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.
身為俱樂部會員，你對於經費如何使用有發言權。
have a say in — right to influence decisions
The employees want more say in the company's policies.
員工希望在公司政策上擁有更多發言權。
Parents should have a say in what their children learn at school.
家長對於孩子在學校學什麼應該有發言權。
The residents demanded a say in the new park design.
居民要求對新公園的設計有發言權。
- have a say
- get a say
- want a say
- demand a say
- some say
- no say
being excluded from decision-making
文法句型
have a say (in something)
get a say
用法筆記
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'.