Say

Verb

1. Express in words – to speak or articulate.
   • I said nothing.
   • What will you say?
   • They say it’s too expensive.
2. Recite – a prayer, poem, or formal text.
   • Say a prayer for me.
3. Instruct (informal) – to tell someone to do something.
   • She said to leave it here.
   • You’ll do as I say.
4. Give opinion – express a personal view.
   • I say we should wait.
   • What do you say we go back?
5. Report what people think – convey common beliefs or sayings.
   • People said it was haunted.
   • It’s said that the climate is changing.
6. Mean, imply – indicate or suggest indirectly.
   • I’m not saying they’re bad people.
   • What exactly are you saying here?
7. Convey an idea – communicate a message or idea.
   • What does this decision say about the association’s values?
   • The film is saying that …
8. Give information – provide factual details.
   • I got a message saying the match was off.
9. Show indirectly – reveal through hints or signs.
   • Your clothes say a lot about you.
   • I won, which says a lot about the rest.

Noun
10. Voice, input – an opportunity to express an opinion.

• People will have their say.
• I have no say in the matter.

Interjection
11. Listen (US)

• Say!
• Éist!

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Phrases and Idioms

• To have something to say about sth – express an opinion: Your mother will have something to say about that.
• To say sth for sb – speak on behalf of someone: I can say this for them.
• Having said that / that said – introducing a contrasting point: It’s expensive, but that said, it’s a good brand.
• To go without saying – obvious or understood: It goes without saying that she wasn’t happy.
• Let’s say / for example – introducing a hypothetical: Say you were the principal.
• Say what? (informal) – expressing surprise or asking to repeat: Say what?
• To say the least – understatement: They’ve been negligent, to say the least.
• When all is said and done – after everything: When all is said and done, we did our best.
• Who’s to say – expressing doubt or uncertainty: Who’s to say which story is true?
• You don’t say – expressing surprise: You don’t say!

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Example Constructions

• I said ‘Wait!’ → Dúirt mé ‘Fan!’
• They say you shouldn’t swim alone. → Deirtear nár cheart duit snámh i d’aonar.
• Your clothes say a lot about you. → Insíonn do chuid éadaí go leor fút.