Do tell Meaning in English
expression
ˈdu/ /ˈtɛɫ
DOO-TEL
dʉː/ /tˈɛl
DOO-TEL
Definition
Used to encourage someone to continue telling their story, often to show interest or curiosity. It can be sincere or slightly playful, expressing that you want to hear more.
Usage & Nuances
Mildly formal, slightly old-fashioned or playful. Often used in conversation to signal curiosity or disbelief, sometimes with irony. Common in British and American English, especially in storytelling or gossip.
Spanish: cuéntame - dime (con énfasis)Portuguese (BR): conte mesmo - diga lá (com ênfase)Portuguese (PT): conte lá - diga lá (com ênfase)Chinese (Simplified): 请说吧 - 赶快说 (表示兴趣)Chinese (Traditional): 請說吧 - 快說 (表示興趣)Hindi: बताओ न - ज़रूर बताओ (ज़्यादा दिलचस्पी दिखाना)Arabic: أخبرني حقاً - قل لي (بتشويق)Bengali: শুনতে চাই - বলো তোRussian: расскажи - ну, расскажиJapanese: ぜひ話して - 聞かせてVietnamese: Kể đi - Cho tôi nghe nàoKorean: 말해 봐 - 들려줘Turkish: Anlat bakalım - Söyle bakalımUrdu: سناؤ تو - بتاؤ توIndonesian: Ceritakan - Coba ceritakan
Example Sentences
He said he saw a celebrity at lunch, and I replied, "Do tell!"
basic
You have some news? Do tell.
basic
She whispered, "I have a secret." I said, "Do tell."
basic
Oh, you know some juicy gossip? Do tell!
natural
"Guess what happened at the party last night." – "Do tell!"
natural
Whenever my brother starts a dramatic story, I just say, "Do tell."
natural