American English
/seɪ/
One syllable.
to use words to communicate something in speech
Practice out loudto use words to communicate something in speech
She said my name.
He said he was tired.
Use say for the words, but tell for the person: She said hello to me, but she told me the news.
say hello · say goodbye · say sorry · say thank you
say + something + to + someone
say + that + sentence
to give your opinion about something
I'd say the blue one is better.
What would you say about the plan?
I'd say... · say what you think
say + that + sentence
say + what + you think
if a sign, label, message, or book says something, it has those words or gives that information
The sign says, “No parking.”
The email says that the meeting is canceled.
a sign says · a label says · the message says
a sign + says + words
a message + says + that + sentence
used to introduce an example or an approximate number or amount
It will take, say, twenty minutes.
Say we leave at six.
say + a number or amount
say + sentence
to have the right to help decide something
Students should have a say in the new school rules.
to refuse something
She said no to the extra work.
easy to talk about but hard to do
Getting everyone to agree is easier said than done.
For the past, use said, not *sayed*. With he, she, or it, write says, not *sayes*.