Decir Conjugation in Spanish

Understanding decir conjugation is crucial for Spanish learners. This irregular verb, meaning “to say” or “to tell,” is one of the most frequently used verbs in Spanish. In this guide, we’ll explore the various conjugations and uses of “decir,” helping you incorporate it confidently into your Spanish conversations.

What is Decir?

“Decir” is an irregular Spanish verb that plays a vital role in everyday communication. It’s used to:

1. Report speech or thoughts
2. Express opinions
3. Give instructions or advice

Present Tense Decir Conjugation

The present tense of “decir” is irregular, with stem changes in most forms:

Example: “Yo digo la verdad” (I tell the truth)

Past Tense Decir Conjugations

Preterite (Simple Past)

The preterite of “decir” is highly irregular:

Example: “Ella me dijo la verdad ayer” (She told me the truth yesterday)

Imperfect

The imperfect of “decir” is regular:

Example: “Siempre decía la verdad” (He/She always told the truth)

Future Tense

The future tense of “decir” uses the stem “dir-”:

Example: “Te diré la verdad mañana” (I’ll tell you the truth tomorrow)

Conditional Tense

The conditional tense also uses the stem “dir-”:

Example: “Yo diría que es una buena idea” (I would say it’s a good idea)

Subjunctive Mood

Present Subjunctive

The present subjunctive uses the stem “dig-”:

Example: “Espero que me digas la verdad” (I hope you tell me the truth)

Imperative (Command) Form

Example: “Di la verdad” (Tell the truth - informal)

Common Phrases with Decir

1. Decir que sí/no: To say yes/no Example: “Dije que sí a la invitación” (I said yes to the invitation)

2. Querer decir: To mean Example: “¿Qué quieres decir con eso?” (What do you mean by that?)

3. Es decir: That is to say Example: “Es un lingüista, es decir, estudia idiomas” (He’s a linguist, that is to say, he studies languages)

4. Se dice que: It is said that Example: “Se dice que va a llover mañana” (It is said that it’s going to rain tomorrow)

Idiomatic Expressions

• “Dicho y hecho” - No sooner said than done
• “Decir por decir” - To speak without thinking
• “Decir a boca llena” - To say openly or proudly

Tips for Mastering Decir Conjugation

1. Pay attention to the stem changes: “dec-” to “dig-” in some forms, and “dir-” in future and conditional tenses.
2. Practice the irregular preterite forms frequently.
3. Use “decir” with indirect objects to indicate to whom something is said: “Le dije la verdad” (I told him/her the truth).
4. Remember that the past participle of “decir” is “dicho,” used in perfect tenses: “He dicho la verdad” (I have told the truth).

Usage Notes

1. “Decir” is often used to introduce direct quotes: “Él dijo: ‘Estoy cansado’” (He said, “I’m tired”).
2. The reflexive form “decirse” can mean “to be said” or “to tell oneself”: “Se dice que es peligroso” (It is said that it’s dangerous).
3. “Decir” can be used with “que” to report speech indirectly: “Dijo que vendría” (He said he would come).

Conclusion

Mastering decir conjugation is a significant step in your Spanish language journey. While its irregularities may seem challenging at first, consistent practice and exposure to the language will help you internalize its usage. Remember, “decir” is all about communication, so think of it as your “expression” verb in Spanish. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be using “decir” with confidence in your Spanish conversations!