tell
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
If you want to know the truth, I'll tell you.
natural
I can't tell if he's joking or serious.
natural
She told him not to be late again.
natural