third-person singular verb
A person says something when they use words to communicate it in speech.
/sɛz/Common pronunciation
She says we should go now.
He says he likes chocolate ice cream.
American English
How to pronounce says
verbA1Very common word
SEHZ
/sɛz/
One syllable.
Form of say
Says is used with he, she, or it in the present tense.
A person says something when they use words to communicate it in speech.
What to listen for
“Says” is pronounced /sɛz/, roughly like “sez”; it does not sound like “say” /seɪ/.
Meanings & examples
third-person singular verb
A person says something when they give their opinion about it.
/sɛz/Common pronunciation
She says the blue one is better.
He says we should wait.
third-person singular verb
A sign, label, message, or book says something when it has those words or gives that information.
/sɛz/Common pronunciation
It says “Push” on the door.
The sign says “No pets allowed.”
Useful expressions
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.
Related words & forms
For the past, use said, not *sayed*. With he, she, or it, write says, not *sayes*.