How to Say “Say” in Chinese: A Comprehensive Guide

Understanding how to express the verb “say” in Chinese is crucial for effective communication. It’s not as simple as a one-to-one translation; various Chinese words capture different nuances of “saying.” This article delves into the intricacies of translating “say” into Chinese, covering different words, their usage contexts, grammatical structures, and common mistakes.

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and practice to accurately and confidently express “say” in Chinese.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Definition of “Say” in Chinese
• Structural Breakdown
• Types and Categories of “Say” in Chinese
  • 说 (Shuō) – To Speak, To Say
  • 讲 (Jiǎng) – To Speak, To Tell, To Explain
  • 道 (Dào) – To Say, To State, To Mention
  • 谈 (Tán) – To Talk, To Discuss
  • 告诉 (Gàosù) – To Tell
  • 陈述 (Chénshù) – To State, To Declare
• Examples of “Say” in Chinese
  • 说 (Shuō) Examples
  • 讲 (Jiǎng) Examples
  • 道 (Dào) Examples
  • 谈 (Tán) Examples
  • 告诉 (Gàosù) Examples
  • 陈述 (Chénshù) Examples
• Usage Rules
• Common Mistakes
• Practice Exercises
• Advanced Topics
• FAQ
• Conclusion

Introduction

The English verb “say” seems simple enough, but its translation into Chinese reveals a rich tapestry of linguistic options. Chinese offers a variety of words to express different aspects of “saying,” each with its own specific connotations and usage scenarios.

Mastering these nuances significantly enhances your ability to communicate effectively and accurately in Chinese. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the most common Chinese translations of “say,” along with detailed examples, usage rules, and practice exercises to solidify your understanding.

Definition of “Say” in Chinese

The English verb “say” encompasses a broad range of meanings, including to utter words, express thoughts, state facts, or communicate information. In Chinese, this broad meaning is divided among several verbs, each carrying a slightly different connotation. These verbs include, but are not limited to: 说 (shuō), 讲 (jiǎng), 道 (dào), 谈 (tán), and 告诉 (gàosù). Understanding the subtle differences between these words is key to accurate and natural-sounding Chinese.

Structural Breakdown

The structure of sentences using these Chinese verbs for “say” typically follows the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, like English. However, the object can be a direct quote, a noun, or a clause.

Adverbs of manner or time are placed before the verb. The word order affects the meaning and emphasis of the sentence.

Example:

他 说 “你好”。(Tā shuō “Nǐ hǎo.”) – He said “Hello.”

• 他 (Tā): He (Subject)
• 说 (Shuō): Say (Verb)
• “你好” (“Nǐ hǎo”): “Hello” (Object – Direct Quote)

Another Example:

她 告诉我 她的名字。(Tā gàosù wǒ tā de míngzì.) – She told me her name.

• 她 (Tā): She (Subject)
• 告诉 (Gàosù): Tell (Verb)
• 我 (Wǒ): Me (Indirect Object)
• 她的名字 (tā de míngzì): Her name (Direct Object)

Types and Categories of “Say” in Chinese

说 (Shuō) – To Speak, To Say

说 (Shuō) is the most common and versatile translation of “say.” It generally means “to speak,” “to say,” or “to talk.” It can be used in a wide variety of contexts, from simple statements to complex discussions. It is a fundamental verb taught early in Chinese language learning.

讲 (Jiǎng) – To Speak, To Tell, To Explain

讲 (Jiǎng) often implies a more formal or extended form of speaking, such as giving a lecture, telling a story, or explaining a concept. It often carries a connotation of imparting information or knowledge. It can also denote lecturing or teaching.

道 (Dào) – To Say, To State, To Mention

道 (Dào) is a more formal and literary way of saying “say.” It is often used to introduce a quote or statement, or to mention something. It’s less common in everyday spoken Chinese but frequently appears in written texts and idioms. It can also mean “way” or “path” depending on the context.

谈 (Tán) – To Talk, To Discuss

谈 (Tán) specifically means “to talk” or “to discuss.” It implies a conversation or exchange of ideas between two or more people. It is often used to describe negotiations, meetings, or casual conversations. It focuses on the interactive nature of speaking.

告诉 (Gàosù) – To Tell

告诉 (Gàosù) means “to tell” or “to inform.” It emphasizes the act of conveying information to someone. It always requires an object (the person being told). It’s a direct and straightforward way of expressing the act of informing someone.

陈述 (Chénshù) – To State, To Declare

陈述 (Chénshù) is a formal term meaning “to state,” “to declare,” or “to assert.” It’s often used in legal or official contexts to describe a formal statement or declaration. It carries a sense of formality and authority.

Examples of “Say” in Chinese

The following sections provide detailed examples of each verb, illustrating their usage in various contexts.

说 (Shuō) Examples

The following table provides examples of using 说 (Shuō) in different contexts. Notice how it can be used with direct quotes, statements, and general speech.

Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
他说：”你好！”	Tā shuō: “Nǐ hǎo!”	He said: “Hello!”
她说她很忙。	Tā shuō tā hěn máng.	She said she is very busy.
他们在说什么？	Tāmen zài shuō shénme?	What are they saying?
请你说慢一点。	Qǐng nǐ shuō màn yīdiǎn.	Please speak a little slower.
你说了什么？	Nǐ shuō le shénme?	What did you say?
我不知道该说什么。	Wǒ bù zhīdào gāi shuō shénme.	I don’t know what to say.
他总是说谎。	Tā zǒngshì shuō huǎng.	He always tells lies.
他们说要下雨了。	Tāmen shuō yào xià yǔ le.	They say it’s going to rain.
不要乱说！	Bùyào luàn shuō!	Don’t talk nonsense!
可以说吗？	Kěyǐ shuō ma?	Can I say it?
随便说。	Suíbiàn shuō.	Say anything.
他说了再见。	Tā shuō le zàijiàn.	He said goodbye.
你说的对。	Nǐ shuō de duì.	You are right.
我没说什么。	Wǒ méi shuō shénme.	I didn’t say anything.
她说什么都行。	Tā shuō shénme dōu xíng.	She can say whatever she wants.
他说他会来的。	Tā shuō tā huì lái de.	He said he would come.
你为什么要说这个？	Nǐ wèishénme yào shuō zhège?	Why did you say that?
他什么也没说。	Tā shénme yě méi shuō.	He didn’t say anything.
说清楚一点。	Shuō qīngchǔ yīdiǎn.	Speak more clearly.
我说过了。	Wǒ shuō guò le.	I’ve already said it.
他说得很好。	Tā shuō de hěn hǎo.	He speaks very well.
他不说英语。	Tā bù shuō Yīngyǔ.	He doesn’t speak English.
说什么呢？	Shuō shénme ne?	What to say?

讲 (Jiǎng) Examples

The following table provides examples of using 讲 (Jiǎng). Note how it is used for storytelling, lectures, and explanations.

Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
他正在讲故事。	Tā zhèngzài jiǎng gùshì.	He is telling a story.
老师在讲课。	Lǎoshī zài jiǎngkè.	The teacher is giving a lecture.
你能讲清楚吗？	Nǐ néng jiǎng qīngchǔ ma?	Can you explain it clearly?
他讲了很多道理。	Tā jiǎng le hěn duō dàolǐ.	He explained a lot of principles.
请你讲一下你的看法。	Qǐng nǐ jiǎng yīxià nǐ de kànfǎ.	Please tell me your opinion.
他讲了一个笑话。	Tā jiǎng le yī gè xiàohuà.	He told a joke.
这个故事讲得很有趣。	Zhège gùshì jiǎng de hěn yǒuqù.	This story is told very interestingly.
他讲得太快了。	Tā jiǎng de tài kuài le.	He speaks too fast. (telling/explaining)
我没听懂他讲什么。	Wǒ méi tīng dǒng tā jiǎng shénme.	I didn’t understand what he was saying.
他讲的很有道理。	Tā jiǎng de hěn yǒu dàolǐ.	What he said makes a lot of sense.
他讲课讲得很好。	Tā jiǎngkè jiǎng de hěn hǎo.	He lectures very well.
你讲给我听听。	Nǐ jiǎng gěi wǒ tīng tīng.	Tell me about it.
这个道理很难讲。	Zhège dàolǐ hěn nán jiǎng.	This principle is hard to explain.
他讲得很生动。	Tā jiǎng de hěn shēngdòng.	He tells it vividly.
他讲了很多关于中国的文化。	Tā jiǎng le hěn duō guānyú Zhōngguó de wénhuà.	He talked a lot about Chinese culture.
他讲得很有条理。	Tā jiǎng de hěn yǒu tiáolǐ.	He explained it very systematically.
你能讲得更详细一点吗？	Nǐ néng jiǎng de gèng xiángxì yīdiǎn ma?	Can you explain it in more detail?
他开始讲他的经历。	Tā kāishǐ jiǎng tā de jīnglì.	He started telling his experience.
他讲了一个关于友谊的故事。	Tā jiǎng le yī gè guānyú yǒuyì de gùshì.	He told a story about friendship.
老师讲得很耐心。	Lǎoshī jiǎng de hěn nàixīn.	The teacher explained it very patiently.

道 (Dào) Examples

The following table provides examples of using 道 (Dào) in different contexts. Note its use in formal statements and literary contexts.

Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
俗话说。	Sú huà shuō.	As the saying goes.
他说道：”我会回来。”	Tā shuō dào: “Wǒ huì huílái.”	He said, “I will come back.”
他道了歉。	Tā dào le qiàn.	He apologized.
他道出了真相。	Tā dào chū le zhēnxiàng.	He revealed the truth.
不可道。	Bù kě dào.	Unspeakable.
难以道尽。	Nányǐ dào jìn.	Hard to express fully.
我不知道该怎么道谢。	Wǒ bù zhīdào gāi zěnme dàoxiè.	I don’t know how to express my gratitude.
她道出了她的心声。	Tā dàochū le tā de xīnshēng.	She voiced her innermost feelings.
这个问题很难用语言道尽。	Zhège wèntí hěn nán yòng yǔyán dàojìn.	This problem is hard to express fully in words.
他只是随便道了一声。	Tā zhǐshì suíbiàn dào le yī shēng.	He just said something casually.
他道出了他内心的秘密。	Tā dàochū le tā nèixīn de mìmì.	He revealed the secret of his heart.
她向他道别。	Tā xiàng tā dàobié.	She said goodbye to him.
这件事无可奉告，无可道也。	Zhè jiàn shì wú kě fèng gào, wú kě dào yě.	There is nothing to report about this, nothing to say.
他道貌岸然。	Tā dàomào ànrán.	He has an air of respectability. (outwardly virtuous but inwardly corrupt)

谈 (Tán) Examples

The following table provides examples of using 谈 (Tán). Notice how it emphasizes conversation and discussion.

Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
他们在谈什么？	Tāmen zài tán shénme?	What are they talking about?
我们谈谈吧。	Wǒmen tán tán ba.	Let’s talk.
他们正在谈判。	Tāmen zhèngzài tánpàn.	They are negotiating.
我想和你谈谈。	Wǒ xiǎng hé nǐ tán tán.	I want to talk to you.
我们谈论了这个问题。	Wǒmen tánlùn le zhège wèntí.	We discussed this problem.
他不喜欢谈论他的过去。	Tā bù xǐhuan tánlùn tā de guòqù.	He doesn’t like to talk about his past.
我们谈得很愉快。	Wǒmen tán de hěn yúkuài.	We had a pleasant talk.
他们谈崩了。	Tāmen tán bēng le.	Their negotiations fell through.
关于这个问题，我们可以谈很久。	Guānyú zhège wèntí, wǒmen kěyǐ tán hěn jiǔ.	We can talk about this problem for a long time.
我们谈一些轻松的话题吧。	Wǒmen tán yīxiē qīngsōng de huàtí ba.	Let’s talk about some light topics.
他们正在谈恋爱。	Tāmen zhèngzài tán liàn’ài.	They are dating.
我们谈谈未来吧。	Wǒmen tán tán wèilái ba.	Let’s talk about the future.
他总是谈论他的成功。	Tā zǒngshì tánlùn tā de chénggōng.	He always talks about his success.
他们谈了一夜。	Tāmen tán le yī yè.	They talked all night.
我们谈到了很多有趣的事情。	Wǒmen tán dào le hěn duō yǒuqù de shìqíng.	We talked about many interesting things.
谈判很艰难。	Tánpàn hěn jiānnán.	The negotiation is difficult.

告诉 (Gàosù) Examples

The following table provides examples of using 告诉 (Gàosù). Notice how it emphasizes informing someone of something.

Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
请你告诉我你的名字。	Qǐng nǐ gàosù wǒ nǐ de míngzì.	Please tell me your name.
他告诉我他要走了。	Tā gàosù wǒ tā yào zǒu le.	He told me he was leaving.
不要告诉任何人。	Bùyào gàosù rènhé rén.	Don’t tell anyone.
我告诉你一个秘密。	Wǒ gàosù nǐ yī gè mìmì.	I’ll tell you a secret.
谁告诉你的？	Shéi gàosù nǐ de?	Who told you?
他没有告诉我。	Tā méiyǒu gàosù wǒ.	He didn’t tell me.
我会告诉你的。	Wǒ huì gàosù nǐ de.	I will tell you.
请你告诉他。	Qǐng nǐ gàosù tā.	Please tell him.
她告诉了我真相。	Tā gàosù le wǒ zhēnxiàng.	She told me the truth.
我必须告诉你。	Wǒ bìxū gàosù nǐ.	I have to tell you.
他告诉我不要担心。	Tā gàosù wǒ bùyào dānxīn.	He told me not to worry.
我告诉他我喜欢他。	Wǒ gàosù tā wǒ xǐhuan tā.	I told him I like him.
你为什么不告诉我？	Nǐ wèishénme bù gàosù wǒ?	Why didn’t you tell me?
他告诉我他很累。	Tā gàosù wǒ tā hěn lèi.	He told me he was tired.
我要告诉你一件事情。	Wǒ yào gàosù nǐ yī jiàn shìqíng.	I want to tell you something.
她告诉了我她的计划。	Tā gàosù le wǒ tā de jìhuà.	She told me her plan.
我告诉他我不能去。	Wǒ gàosù tā wǒ bù néng qù.	I told him I couldn’t go.
她告诉我她很高兴。	Tā gàosù wǒ tā hěn gāoxìng.	She told me she was happy.
请你告诉他我在这里。	Qǐng nǐ gàosù tā wǒ zài zhèlǐ.	Please tell him I’m here.

陈述 (Chénshù) Examples

The following table provides examples of using 陈述 (Chénshù). Notice how it is used in formal contexts for stating facts or declarations.

Chinese	Pinyin	English Translation
他陈述了他的观点。	Tā chénshù le tā de guāndiǎn.	He stated his point of view.
律师陈述了事实。	Lǜshī chénshù le shìshí.	The lawyer stated the facts.
请你陈述你的理由。	Qǐng nǐ chénshù nǐ de lǐyóu.	Please state your reasons.
他在法庭上陈述了他的证词。	Tā zài fǎtíng shàng chénshù le tā de zhèngcí.	He stated his testimony in court.
他陈述了他的立场。	Tā chénshù le tā de lìchǎng.	He stated his position.
他陈述说他是无辜的。	Tā chénshù shuō tā shì wūgū de.	He stated that he was innocent.
她陈述了她的案件。	Tā chénshù le tā de ànjiàn.	She stated her case.
请你详细陈述经过。	Qǐng nǐ xiángxì chénshù jīngguò.	Please state the details.
他在报告中陈述了结果。	Tā zài bàogào zhōng chénshù le jiéguǒ.	He stated the results in the report.
他陈述了他的观点，并提供了证据。	Tā chénshù le tā de guāndiǎn, bìng tígōng le zhèngjù.	He stated his views and provided evidence.

Usage Rules

Understanding the context is crucial when choosing the correct word for “say” in Chinese. 说 (Shuō) is the most versatile and can be used in most situations. However, for formal speeches or explanations, 讲 (Jiǎng) is more appropriate. 道 (Dào) is reserved for literary or formal contexts. When emphasizing a conversation, use 谈 (Tán). To express telling someone something, use 告诉 (Gàosù). For formal statements, use 陈述 (Chénshù). Pay attention to the nuances to convey your intended meaning accurately.

Also, remember that Chinese grammar often relies on word order. Modifiers, such as adverbs describing *how* something is said (e.g., “loudly,” “softly”), generally precede the verb.

Common Mistakes

One common mistake is using 说 (Shuō) in all situations, even when other verbs are more appropriate. For instance, using 说 (Shuō) when you mean “to tell” someone something is grammatically incorrect. Another mistake is confusing 讲 (Jiǎng) and 说 (Shuō). Remember that 讲 (Jiǎng) implies a more formal or extended form of speaking.

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
我说他我的名字。(Wǒ shuō tā wǒ de míngzì.)	我告诉他我的名字。(Wǒ gàosù tā wǒ de míngzì.)	“Tell” requires 告诉 (Gàosù) as it involves informing someone.
他讲了”你好”。(Tā jiǎng le “Nǐ hǎo”.)	他说了”你好”。(Tā shuō le “Nǐ hǎo”.)	简单地说 (Shuō) is used for basic greetings.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding with the following exercises. Choose the most appropriate word for “say” in each sentence: 说 (Shuō), 讲 (Jiǎng), 道 (Dào), 谈 (Tán), or 告诉 (Gàosù).

Question	Answer
1. 他____他很忙。(He ____ he is very busy.)	说 (Shuō)
2. 老师在____课。(The teacher is ____ a lesson.)	讲 (Jiǎng)
3. 请____我你的电话号码。(Please ____ me your phone number.)	告诉 (Gàosù)
4. 他们在____关于未来的计划。(They are ____ about future plans.)	谈 (Tán)
5. 他____：”我会回来的。” (He ____: “I will be back.”)	说 (Shuō) or 道 (Dào) (more formal)
6. 他____了一个故事。(He ____ a story.)	讲 (Jiǎng)
7. 你要____什么？(What do you want to ____?)	说 (Shuō)
8. 他____我不要担心。(He ____ me not to worry.)	告诉 (Gàosù)
9. 我们____一下这个问题。(Let’s ____ about this problem.)	谈 (Tán)
10. 他总是____谎。(He always ____ lies.)	说 (Shuō)

Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences into Chinese, using the appropriate word for “say.”

Question	Answer
1. She told me she was happy.	她告诉我她很高兴。(Tā gàosù wǒ tā hěn gāoxìng.)
2. They are talking about the weather.	他们在谈论天气。(Tāmen zài tánlùn tiānqì.)
3. The teacher is explaining the grammar.	老师在讲语法。(Lǎoshī zài jiǎng yǔfǎ.)
4. He said he would come.	他说他会来。(Tā shuō tā huì lái.)
5. Please tell me the truth.	请告诉我真相。(Qǐng gàosù wǒ zhēnxiàng.)
6. As the saying goes…	俗话说…(Sú huà shuō…)
7. He is stating his case.	他陈述了他的案件。(Tā chénshù le tā de ànjiàn.)
8. He said he’s leaving.	他说他要走了。(Tā shuō tā yào zǒu le.)
9. Don’t tell anyone.	不要告诉任何人。(Bùyào gàosù rènhé rén.)
10. Let’s talk!	我们谈谈吧。(Wǒmen tán tán ba.)

Advanced Topics

At an advanced level, understanding idioms and set phrases involving these verbs is essential. For example, “一言为定 (yī yán wéi dìng)”, meaning “a word is a bond,” uses the verb 言 (yán), which is similar to 说 (shuō) but more formal. Similarly, understanding chengyu (four-character idioms) that incorporate these verbs will further enhance your fluency and comprehension of nuanced Chinese.

Furthermore, exploring regional variations in the usage of these verbs can provide valuable insights. Certain dialects might favor one verb over another in specific contexts.

Exposure to diverse speakers and materials will broaden your understanding of these variations.

FAQ

1. What’s the most common way to say “say” in Chinese?
   说 (Shuō) is the most

   common and versatile way to say “say” in Chinese.

2. When should I use 讲 (Jiǎng) instead of 说 (Shuō)?
   Use 讲 (Jiǎng) when referring to a more formal or extended form of speaking, such as giving a lecture, telling a story, or explaining a concept.
3. Is 道 (Dào) commonly used in everyday conversation?
   No, 道 (Dào) is more formal and literary, typically found in written texts and idioms.
4. What’s the difference between 谈 (Tán) and 说 (Shuō)?
   谈 (Tán) specifically means “to talk” or “to discuss,” implying a conversation or exchange of ideas, while 说 (Shuō) is a general term for “to say” or “to speak.”
5. When do I use 告诉 (Gàosù)?
   Use 告诉 (Gàosù) when you want to express “to tell” or “to inform” someone of something. It always requires an object (the person being told).
6. What is 陈述 (Chénshù) used for?
   陈述 (Chénshù) is used in formal contexts to “state,” “declare,” or “assert” something, often in legal or official settings.

Conclusion

Mastering the nuances of how to say “say” in Chinese is a significant step towards fluency and effective communication. By understanding the subtle differences between 说 (Shuō), 讲 (Jiǎng), 道 (Dào), 谈 (Tán), 告诉 (Gàosù), and 陈述 (Chénshù), you can express yourself more accurately and naturally. Practice using these words in various contexts, pay attention to native speakers, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – that’s how you learn! Keep practicing, and you’ll soon be “saying” all the right things in Chinese with confidence.