Say when Meaning in English
expression
ˈseɪ/ /ˈhwɛn/, /ˈhwɪn/, /ˈwɛn/, /ˈwɪn
SAY HWEN, SAY HWIN, SAY WEN, SAY WIN
sˈeɪ/ /wˈɛn
SAY-WEN
Definition
A polite expression used when someone is serving food or drinks and wants you to tell them when to stop by saying 'when'.
Usage & Nuances
Always used in service situations, usually when pouring drinks. It's semi-formal and sometimes playful. The person pouring says 'say when', the receiver literally says 'when' to indicate 'that's enough'. Used mostly in English-speaking cultures.
Spanish: avisa cuando - dime cuándoPortuguese (BR): avise quando - diga quandoPortuguese (PT): diz quando - avisa quandoChinese (Simplified): 说停 - 你说停Chinese (Traditional): 說停 - 你說停Hindi: कब रुकना है बतानाArabic: قل متى (تتوقف) - قل عندما يكفيBengali: বলুন কখন (ঠাট্টাস্বরূপ)Russian: скажи когдаJapanese: 「ストップと言って」Vietnamese: bảo khi nào - nói dừng lạiKorean: 언제 멈추라고 말하세요Turkish: ne zaman dur diyeyim - 'tamam' deUrdu: کہیں کب (برتن یا مشروب ڈالتے وقت)Indonesian: bilang kapan
Example Sentences
Just say when if you want me to stop pouring your coffee.
basic
I’ll keep adding sugar, just say when.
basic
Say when and I’ll stop giving you more soup.
basic
Here’s your tea — just say when if you’ve had enough milk.
natural
I kept pouring and she never said when — her cup was overflowing!
natural
Whenever my dad serves me food, he always tells me to say when.
natural