Tell from Meaning in English
expression
ˈtɛɫ/ /ˈfɹəm
TEL frum
tˈɛl/ /fɹˈɒm
TEL FROM
Definition
To recognize the difference between two things; to be able to distinguish one from another.
Usage & Nuances
Often used as 'can't tell X from Y' to say two things look or seem the same. Common with objects, people, ideas. Not about 'telling' as in speaking, but about noticing differences.
Spanish: distinguir de - diferenciar dePortuguese (BR): distinguir de - diferenciar dePortuguese (PT): distinguir de - diferenciar deChinese (Simplified): 分辨...和... - 区分...和...Chinese (Traditional): 分辨...和... - 區分...和...Hindi: में फ़र्क़ बता पानाArabic: يميز عن - يفرق بينBengali: পার্থক্য করা - আলাদা করতে পারাRussian: отличать - различатьJapanese: 区別するVietnamese: phân biệtKorean: 구별하다 - 식별하다Turkish: ayırt etmek - farkını anlamakUrdu: فرق کرنا - تمیز کرناIndonesian: membedakan
Example Sentences
I can't tell the twins from each other.
basic
Can you tell wood from plastic by touch?
basic
He couldn't tell truth from lies.
basic
After years apart, I can still tell his voice from anyone else's.
natural
Sometimes it’s hard to tell expensive wine from cheap wine.
natural
With their new uniforms, I can barely tell the staff from the guests.
natural