told
word · lemma: tell
/ˈtoʊɫd/
TOHLD
/tˈəʊld/
TOHLD
Definition
Past tense of 'tell'. To communicate information, facts, or instructions to someone using words.
Usage & Nuances
Used primarily in reported speech or storytelling. Commonly followed by a person ('tell him/her') or information ('tell the truth'). Informal and formal usage. Do not confuse with 'said', which is the past of 'say'.
Spanish: decir - contarPortuguese (BR): dizer - contarPortuguese (PT): dizer - contarChinese (Simplified): 告诉 - 告知Chinese (Traditional): 告訴 - 告知Hindi: कहना - बतानाArabic: قال - أخبرBengali: বলেছেRussian: сказал - рассказала - рассказал - сказалаJapanese: 言ったVietnamese: đã nói - bảoKorean: 말했다Turkish: söyledi - anlattı - bildirdiUrdu: بتایاIndonesian: memberitahu - bilang
Example Sentences
He told a funny story at school.
basic
She told me off for being late again.
natural
I told you to be careful.
basic
I told him to meet me at the café later.
natural
She told me the news yesterday.
basic
Nobody told me the party was canceled.
natural