Tell Meaning in English
word
/ˈtɛɫ/
TEL
/tˈɛl/
TEL
Definition
To say something to someone or communicate information. It can also mean to reveal or distinguish something.
Usage & Nuances
Common verb used in all forms of speech, both formal and informal. Collocations include 'tell a story', 'tell the truth', 'tell a lie', and 'tell the difference'. Often confused with 'say' — 'tell' usually requires an indirect object (someone who is told).
Spanish: decir - contarPortuguese (BR): dizer - contarPortuguese (PT): dizer - contarChinese (Simplified): 告诉 - 讲述Chinese (Traditional): 告訴 - 講述Hindi: कहना - बतानाArabic: يقول - يخبرBengali: বলুন - বলা - জানানোRussian: сказать - рассказывать - сообщитьJapanese: 言う - 話す（伝える） - 見分けるVietnamese: nói - kể - cho biếtKorean: 말하다 - 이야기하다 - 알려주다Turkish: söylemek - anlatmak - ayırt etmekUrdu: بتانا - کہناIndonesian: memberitahu - mengatakan - menceritakan
Example Sentences
She tells me stories every night.
basic
Can you tell the time?
basic
Please tell me your name.
basic
I can't tell if he's joking or serious.
natural
She told him not to be late again.
natural
If you want to know the truth, I'll tell you.
natural