Have a say Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæv/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈseɪ
HAV-uh-SAY
hæv/ /æɪ/ /sˈeɪ
hav-uh-SAY
Definition
To be allowed to express your opinion or have influence in making a decision.
Usage & Nuances
Usually informal or neutral. Often used with 'in' to specify the area, as in 'have a say in the matter'. Implies active participation in discussions or decisions. Not about speaking but about influence.
Spanish: tener voz - tener voto - poder opinarPortuguese (BR): ter voz - ter direito a opinar - ter influênciaPortuguese (PT): ter voz - ter direito a opinar - ter influênciaChinese (Simplified): 有發言權 - 有決定權Chinese (Traditional): 有發言權 - 有決定權Hindi: अपनी बात रखने का अधिकार - अपनी राय रखनाArabic: له رأي - له كلمةBengali: মত দেওয়ার সুযোগ থাকা - সিদ্ধান্তে অংশগ্রহণের অধিকার থাকাRussian: иметь право голоса - участвовать в принятии решенияJapanese: 意見を言う権利がある - 発言権があるVietnamese: có tiếng nói - được góp ý kiếnKorean: 의견을 낼 수 있다 - 발언권이 있다Turkish: söz hakkı olmak - karar sürecine katılmakUrdu: رائے دینے کا حق ہونا - فیصلہ سازی میں شریک ہوناIndonesian: punya suara - ikut menentukan
Example Sentences
Everyone should have a say in important family decisions.
basic
Do you have a say in how the project is managed?
basic
The teacher lets students have a say about class rules.
basic
I wish I could have a say in where we go on vacation.
natural
If you want people to listen, you need to have a say.
natural
The new policy lets employees finally have a say in company decisions.
natural