say

verb

/seɪ/

动词形式

present simple I / you / we / they say	/seɪ/ /seɪ/
he / she / it says	/sez/ /sez/
past simple said	/sed/ /sed/
past participle said	/sed/ /sed/
-ing form saying	/ˈseɪɪŋ/ /ˈseɪɪŋ/

Idioms

speak说

[intransitive, transitive] to speak or tell somebody something, using words说；讲；告诉

+ speech ‘Hello!’ she said.“你好！” 她说。
‘That was marvellous,’ said Daniel.“好极了。” 丹尼尔说。
A legendary football coach once said, ‘Winning is everything.’ 一位传奇的足球教练曾经说过:“胜利就是一切。

In stories the subject often comes after said, says or say when it follows the actual words spoken, unless it is a pronoun.

say something Be quiet, I have something to say.安静，我有话要说。
Come and say hello.过来打个招呼。
Please say yes!请说“是”！
I didn't believe a word she said.她说的话我一个字都不信。
That's a terrible thing to say.这话说不得。
say something to somebody She said nothing to me about it.她没有跟我说过这件事。
say to somebody/yourself + speech I said to myself (= thought), ‘That can't be right!’我心里想：“这不对呀！”
say (that)… He said (that) his name was Sam.他说他叫萨姆。
Can I just say I'm not happy about this.我能说我对此不高兴吗？
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.不得不说我是惊喜。
it is said that… It is said that she lived to be over 100.据说她活了 100 多岁。
say what, how, etc… She finds it hard to say what she feels.她觉得心里的感受难以言述。
‘That's impossible!’ ‘So you say (= but I think you may be wrong).’“这不可能！” “不见得。”
‘Why can't I go out now?’ ‘Because I say so.’“为什么现在我不能出去？” “我说不行就不行。”
‘What do you want it for?’ ‘I'd rather not say.’“你要这做什么？” “我还是不说的好。”
say to do something He said to meet him here.他说来这儿跟他见面。
be said to be/have something He is said to have been a brilliant scholar.据说他曾是个了不起的学者。

Express Yourself InterruptingInterrupting打断别人You may need to say something when somebody else is speaking, or you may be chairing a discussion where you have to stop one person talking too much. If you start talking at the same time as someone else, this will seem rude. To interrupt politely, you can say, for example:在别人说话时需要插话或主持讨论时某人讲话过多需要打断，直接插话或打断会显得粗鲁，可用一些礼貌的方式，比如：

- Sorry to interrupt, but I have to disagree with that.不好意思打断一下，但那一点我得表示异议。
- Could I just say something here?我可以插句话吗？
- If I could, let me stop you there for a moment and go back to your previous point.请容我打断您一下，回到您先前讲到的一点。
- Actually, we seem to have strayed a bit from the topic. Can we go back to the first point?实际上，我们似乎有点偏离了主题。我们可以回到第一点吗？
- Just a moment, Sue. Can we hear what Jack has to say on this?稍等一下，休。我们能听听杰克对此怎么说吗？
- May I interrupt you there? I don't think that's true.可以打断你一下吗？我认为那不是事实。
(formal)
- I’m sorry, but we’re running short on time. Can you please summarize very quickly so we can finish up?抱歉，我们的时间不多了。请您快速总结一下我们就结束好吗？
(formal)
- I appreciate your enthusiasm on this topic, but I’m afraid we have a couple more people to hear from.感谢您对这个话题的热情，但我们还得听听另外几个人的发言。
(formal)
- Could you two please discuss that issue privately after the meeting? We have several more items to cover and need to move on at this point.请你们两位会后私下讨论那个问题好吗？我们还有几项内容要谈，现在该进入下一项内容了。
(formal)
- I’m sorry, I really have to stop you there. We've run out of time.抱歉，我必须在此打断你。我们没有时间了。
(formal)
- Let’s save that conversation for another time.那事我们下次再谈吧。

Which Word? say / tellsay / tell

Say never has a person as the object. You say something or say something to somebody. Say is often used when you are giving somebody’s exact words:say 从不以人作宾语，可说 say something 或 say something to somebody。say 常与直接引语连用：
- ‘Sit down,’ she said.“坐下。”她说。
- Anne said, ‘I’m tired.’安妮说：“我累了。”
- Anne said (that) she was tired.安妮说她累了。
- What did he say to you?他对你说了些什么？
You cannot use ‘say about’, but say something about is correct:不能用 say about，但可说 say something about：
- I want to say something/a few words/a little about my family.我想谈谈我的家庭。
Say can also be used with a clause when the person you are talking to is not mentioned:没有指明说话对象时，say 亦可与从句连用：
- She didn’t say what she intended to do.她没说她想做什么。
Tell usually has a person as the object and often has two objects:tell 常带有两个宾语，其中一个通常是人：
- Have you told him the news yet?你告诉他这消息了吗？
It is often used with ‘that’ clauses:该词常与 that 从句连用：
- Anne told me (that) she was tired.安妮对我说她累了。
Tell is usually used when somebody is giving facts or information, often with what, where, etc:tell 通常在某人告知事实或提供信息时使用，常与 what、where 等词连用：
- Can you tell me when the movie starts?你能告诉我电影什么时候开演吗？
(BUT:但：
- Can you give me some information about the school?你能给我讲讲这所学校的情况吗？
) Tell is also used when you are giving somebody instructions:发出指示时亦可用 tell：
- The doctor told me to stay in bed.医生要我卧床休息。
- The doctor told me (that) I had to stay in bed.医生对我说我必须卧床休息。
OR或：
- The doctor said (that) I had to stay in bed.医生说我必须卧床休息。
NOT
- The doctor said me to stay in bed.

‘I am home, ’ he said simply.“我回来了。”他简单地说。
‘I don't know,’ she said crossly.“我不知道。”她气呼呼地说。
‘There's nothing wrong with him, ’ she said airily.“他没事。”她轻描淡写地说。
‘Well, at least we tried!’ he said with a shrug.“算了，至少我们尽力了！”他耸了耸肩说道。
‘You'll see!’ Lianne said with a smile.“你等着瞧吧！”利安笑着说道。
A government spokesman was quoted as saying that they would take steps to restore order.据政府发言人说，他们将采取措施恢复秩序。
Can you honestly say you're sorry?你能诚心诚意地说对不起吗？
I dared not say a word about it to anyone.我不敢对任何人说起此事。
I heard him say they were leaving tomorrow.我听到他说他们明天走。
I've forgotten what I was going to say.我忘了自己刚才想要说什么了。

Collocations Dictionaryadverb

aloud
out loud
loudly
…

verb + say

be about to
be going to
hasten to
…

preposition

about
to

phrases

be quoted as saying something
a thing to say
I have to say
…

repeat words复述

[transitive] say something to repeat words, phrases, etc.念；朗诵；背诵

to say a prayer祷告
Try to say that line with more conviction.朗诵这一句时语气要更加坚定。

give written information标示

[transitive, no passive] (of something that is written or can be seen

书面材料或可见的东西

) to give particular information or instructions提供信息；指示

+ speech The notice said ‘Keep Out’.告示上写着 “禁止入内”。
say something The clock said three o'clock.时钟显示三点整。
say (that)… The instructions say (that) we should leave it to set for four hours.说明书上说我们应让它凝结四小时。
say where, why, etc… The book doesn't say where he was born.书上没说他是在哪儿出生的。
say to do something The guidebook says to turn left.旅游指南上说应向左拐。

express opinion表达见解

[transitive, intransitive] to express an opinion on something表达，表述（见解）

say something Say what you like (= although you disagree) about her, she's a fine singer.随你怎么说，反正她唱歌唱得很好。
I'll say this for them, they're a very efficient company.我要为他们说句公道话，他们公司的效率的确很高。
Anna thinks I'm lazy—what do you say (= what is your opinion)?安娜觉得我懒，你说呢？
say (that)… I can't say I blame her for resigning (= I think she was right).她辞职，我不能说她不对。
I have to say I enjoyed every minute.不得不说我享受每一分钟。
I say (= suggest) we go without them.依我说，我们自己去，不带他们。
I wouldn't say they were rich (= in my opinion they are not rich).要我说的话，他们并不富裕。
That's not to say it's a bad movie (= it is good but it is not without faults).并不是说这部电影很糟糕。
say what, how, etc… It's hard to say what caused the accident.很难说造成事故的原因是什么。
It's difficult to say whether the story is true.这个故事是否真实很难说。
‘When will it be finished?’ ‘I couldn't say (= I don't know).’“什么时候能完？” “不好说。”
Is it worth it? I would say not.值得吗？我会说没有。

Do you have anything to say about this?对此事你有什么要说的吗？
I wouldn't like to say what the impact might be on my business.我不想说这对我的业务会有什么影响。
She wasn't at her best, it has to be said.必须承认，她没有表现出最佳水平。
It's difficult to say exactly where it will land.很难说它会在哪里着陆。
I hate to say it, but I think Stephen may be right.我本不愿说，但我觉得斯蒂芬可能是对的。
I have to say I didn't expect it to be so good.我得承认，我没料到会这么好。
It is fair to say a considerable amount of effort went into the project.说句公道话，这一项目的参与者花费了很多心血。

Topics Opinion and argumentb1

Collocations Dictionaryadverb

aloud
out loud
loudly
…

verb + say

be about to
be going to
hasten to
…

preposition

about
to

phrases

be quoted as saying something
a thing to say
I have to say
…

show thoughts/feelings表明思想／感情

[transitive] to make thoughts, feelings, etc. clear to somebody by using words, looks, movements, etc.表明，显示，表达（思想、感情）

say something His angry glance said it all.他那愤愤的一瞥就道出了一切。
Just what is the artist trying to say in her work?这位艺术家究竟要在作品中表现什么呢？
say something about somebody/something The museum's architects have managed to say something about our national story. 博物馆的建筑师们设法讲述了我们国家的故事。

show what somebody/something is like

[transitive] to show, sometimes indirectly, what somebody/something is like说明某人（或某事物）很好（或不怎么样等）

say something That says it all really, doesn't it? (= it shows clearly what is true)这实际上就说明了一切，是不是？
say something about somebody/something The incident says an awful lot about his character.这件事很能说明他的性格。
say something to somebody This says to me that there is more here than you are letting on.这告诉我这里有比你透露的更多的东西。

give example举例

[transitive, no passive] to suggest or give something as an example or a possibility比方说；假设

say something/somebody You could learn the basics in, let's say, three months.比方说，三个月你就可以掌握基本知识。
Let’s take any writer, say (= for example) Dickens…我们随便举一个作家为例，比如说狄更斯…
say (that)… Say you lose your job: what would you do then?假设你把工作丢了，那你怎么办呢？
Just say he refuses to talk to you.就说他拒绝和你说话。

Topics Suggestions and adviceb2

词源Old English secgan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch zeggen and German sagen.

Idioms

be easier said than done

(saying) to be much more difficult to do than to talk about说时容易做时难；谈何容易
- ‘Why don't you get yourself a job?’ ‘That's easier said than done.’“你怎么不给自己找个工作呢？” “那谈何容易呀。”

before you can say Jack Robinson

(old-fashioned) very quickly; in a very short time转瞬间；一刹那；说时迟，那时快

enough said

used to say that you understand a situation and there is no need to say any more无须再讲；不必多说
- ‘He's a politician, remember.’ ‘Enough said.’“记住，他是一个政客。” “不用多说了。”

go without saying

to be very obvious or easy to predict不用说；显而易见
- Of course I'll help you. That goes without saying.我当然会帮你。这还用说吗？

have something, nothing, etc. to say for yourself

to be ready, unwilling, etc. to talk or give your views on something有话（或没什么等）要说
- She doesn't have much to say for herself (= doesn't take part in conversation).她没多少要说的。
- He had plenty to say for himself (= he had a lot of opinions and was willing to talk).他有一肚子的话要说。
- Late again—what have you got to say for yourself (= what is your excuse)?又迟到了，这回你有什么借口呢？

have something to say (to somebody) about something

to be angry非常胆怯；十分温和
- He knew that if he wasn't back by midnight, his parents would have something to say about it.他知道，要是他半夜还不回去，父母就会不高兴。

having said that | that said

(informal) used to introduce an opinion that makes what you have just said seem less strong（用以缓和语气）虽然这么说，话虽如此
- I sometimes get worried in this job. Having said that, I enjoy doing it, it's a challenge.我有时会为这份工作而感到忧虑。话虽如此，我还是很喜欢干的，因为这是一个挑战。
Topics Opinion and argumentc1

I dare say

(also I daresay especially in British English)

used when you are saying that something is likely我想；很可能；大概
- I dare say you know about it already.你大概已经知道了。
Topics Doubt, guessing and certaintyc2

if you don’t mind me/my saying so…

used when you are going to criticize somebody or say something that might upset them（批评等之前说）你不会在意我这么说吧
- That colour doesn't really suit you, if you don't mind my saying so.这颜色并不十分适合你。我这么说，你不会介意吧。

I hear what you're saying

used to tell somebody that you have listened to their opinion, especially when you are going to express a different opinion表达，表述（见解）
- I hear what you're saying, but you're wrong.我已经听到你的意见了，但你错了。

I’ll say!

(old-fashioned, informal) used for emphasis to say ‘yes’（明确表示肯定）当然，没错
- ‘Does she see him often?’ ‘I'll say! Nearly every day.’“她常去找他吗？” “没错！差不多天天去。”

I’m glad to say (that…)

(informal) used when you are commenting on a situation and saying that you are happy about it（表示对某种情况感到高兴）我很高兴地说
- Most teachers, I'm glad to say, take their jobs very seriously.我很高兴地说，多数老师工作都很认真。

I’m sorry to say

used for saying that something is disappointing（表示某事令人失望）我遗憾地说
- He didn't accept the job, I'm sorry to say.我很遗憾，他不接受那项工作。

I must say

(informal) used to emphasize an opinion（强调所发表的意见）我必须说
- Well, I must say, that's the funniest thing I've heard all week.嘿，我要说，这是我整整一周听到的最好笑的事情。
Topics Opinion and argumentc1

I say (British English, old-fashioned, informal)

used to express surprise, shock, etc.（表示惊奇、震惊等）
- I say! What a huge cake!乖乖！多大的一个蛋糕啊！
used to attract somebody’s attention or introduce a new subject of conversation（用以引起注意或引出新的话题）
- I say, can you lend me five pounds?我说，你能借我五英镑吗？

it says a lot, very little, etc. for somebody/something

(informal) it shows a good/bad quality that somebody/something has说明某人（或某事物）很好（或不怎么样等）
- It says a lot for her that she never lost her temper.她从没发过脾气，这说明她很有涵养。
- It didn't say much for their efficiency that the order arrived a week late.订货晚到了一个星期，可见他们的效率难以恭维。

I wouldn’t say no (to something)

(informal) used to say that you would like something or to accept something that is offered（表示想要或愿意接受某物）
- I wouldn't say no to a pizza.我倒是想来块比萨饼。
- ‘Tea, Brian?’ ‘I wouldn't say no.’“要喝茶吗，布赖恩？” “好哇。”

least said soonest mended

(British English, saying) a bad situation will pass or be forgotten most quickly if nothing more is said about it只要没人再说，事情就会过去

the less/least said the better

the best thing to do is say as little as possible about something少说为妙

let's just say

used when commenting on a situation to suggest that you could say something more or worse but prefer not to（表示对某种情况感到高兴）我很高兴地说
- Let's just say he wasn't very happy about the decision (= he was very unhappy or angry about it).只能说他对这个决定不太满意。

let us say

used when making a suggestion or giving an example（提议或举例时）譬如说，比方说，例如
- I can let you have it for, well let's say £100.我可以把这东西卖给你，嗯，比如说作价 100 英镑吧。

mean to say

used to emphasize what you are saying or to ask somebody if they really mean what they say（强调要说的话，或问对方是否真是这个意思）意思是说
- I mean to say, you should have known how he would react!我的意思是说，你本应料到他会作何反应！
- Do you mean to say you've lost it?你是说你把那东西给弄丢了？

needless to say

used to emphasize that the information you are giving is obvious不必说；不用说
- The problem, needless to say, is the cost involved.不用说，问题是所涉及的费用。

never say die

(saying) do not stop hoping别泄气；别气馁；不言放弃

no sooner said than done

used to say that something was, or will be, done immediately说干就干

not have a good word to say for somebody/something

(informal) to never say anything good about somebody/something从不说…的好话
- Nobody had a good word to say about him.没有一个人说过他好。

not say boo to a goose (British English)

(North American English not say boo to anyone)

to be very shy or gentle非常胆怯；十分温和
- He's so nervous he wouldn't say boo to a goose.他紧张得连大气都不敢喘。

not to say

used to introduce a stronger way of describing something（引出语气更重的描述）即使不是…，虽不能说…
- a difficult, not to say impossible, task即便不是办不到，也是难办到的一项任务

say cheese

used to ask somebody to smile before you take their photograph（照相前请人微笑时）说 “茄子”；笑一笑

say a mouthful

(North American English, informal) to say something important公开发表（意见等）
- You said a mouthful there, buddy.你说得太多了，伙计。

say no (to something)

to refuse an offer, a suggestion, etc.拒绝；谢绝
- If you don't invest in this, you're saying no to a potential fortune.你如果不在这上面投资，那是存心不想发财。

say no more

(informal) used to say that you understand exactly what somebody means or is trying to say, so it is unnecessary to say anything more我早知道了；还用你说
- ‘They went to Paris together.’ ‘Say no more!’“他们一起去了巴黎。” “我早知道了！”

say your piece

to say exactly what you feel or think说出心里话

say what?

(North American English, informal) used to express surprise at what somebody has just said（表示惊奇）你说什么
- ‘He's getting married.’ ‘Say what?’“他快结婚了。” “你说什么？”

say when

used to ask somebody to tell you when you should stop pouring a drink or serving food for them because they have enough（给饮料或食物时说）够了请说一声

say/give the word

to give an order; to make a request下命令；吩咐一下；提请求
- Just say the word, and I'll go.只要发句话，我就走。

suffice (it) to say (that)…

used to suggest that although you could say more, what you do say will be enough to explain what you mean无须多说；只需说…就够了
- I won’t go into all the details. Suffice it to say that the whole event was a complete disaster.我就不详细说了。可以说整个事件是一场彻底的灾难。

that is to say

in other words换句话说；也就是说
- three days from now, that is to say on Friday三天以后，也就是说星期五
see also i.e.

that said | having said that

used to introduce an opinion that makes what you have just said seem less strong（用以缓和语气）虽然这么说，话虽如此Topics Opinion and argumentc1

that’s not saying much

used to say that something is not very unusual or special也没什么了不起；这说明不了什么
- She's a better player than me, but that's not saying much (= because I am a very bad player).她比我高明，但那也没什么了不起（因为我很差）。

there’s no saying

used to say that it is impossible to predict what might happen说不准；很难说
- There's no saying how he'll react.很难说他会有何种反应。

there’s something, not much, etc. to be said for something/doing something

there are/are not good reasons for doing something, believing something or agreeing with something有（或没有太多等）理由去做（或相信、同意）某事Topics Opinion and argumentc2

to say the least

without making something seem better, worse, more serious, etc. than it really is毫不夸张地说
- I was surprised, to say the least.毫不夸张地说，我感到吃惊。

to say nothing of something

used to introduce a further fact or thing in addition to those already mentioned更不用说…；而且还 synonym not to mention
- It was too expensive, to say nothing of the time it wasted.这太贵了，更不用说它浪费的时间了。

well said!

(informal) I agree completely说得好；完全赞同
- ‘We must stand up for ourselves.’ ‘Well said, John.’“我们必须自己起来保护自己。” “说得好，约翰。”
Topics Opinion and argumentc2

what do/would you say (to something/doing something)

(informal) would you like something/to do something?你同意…吗；你看…好不好
- What would you say to eating out tonight?你觉得今晚出去吃饭怎么样？
- Let's go away for a weekend. What do you say?我们出去过周末，你说好不好？

whatever you say

(informal) used to agree to somebody’s suggestion because you do not want to argue（因不想争论而同意）由你，随你Topics Opinion and argumentc2, Suggestions and advicec2

what/whatever somebody says, goes

(informal, often humorous) a particular person must be obeyed凡是…说的，都得照办；无论…说什么，都能行得通
- Sarah wanted the kitchen painted green, and what she says, goes.萨拉想把厨房刷成绿色，而她说什么，就得照办。

when all is said and done

when everything is considered说到底；毕竟；归根到底
- I know you're upset, but when all's said and done it isn't exactly a disaster.我知道你挺沮丧的，但说到底，事情并没什么大不了的。

who can say (…)?

used to say that nobody knows the answer to a question谁知道（…）
- Who can say what will happen next year?谁能说得出明年会发生什么事？

who says (…)?

(informal) used to disagree with a statement or an opinion（表示不同意）谁说（…）
- Who says I can't do it?谁说我干不了这个？
Topics Opinion and argumentc2

who’s to say (…)?

used to say that something might happen or might have happened in a particular way, because nobody really knows（表示说不定某事会发生或本来会发生）谁说得准（…）
- Who's to say we would not have succeeded if we'd had more time?要是时间更充裕，没准儿我们就已成功了，谁说得准呢？

you can say that again

(informal) I agree with you completely让你说对了；一点没错；正是这样
- ‘He's in a bad mood today.’ ‘You can say that again!’“他今天情绪不好。” “让你说对了！”
Topics Opinion and argumentc1

you can’t say fairer (than that)

(British English, informal) used to say that you think the offer you are making is reasonable or generous（出价时说）再公道不过了
- Look, I'll give you £100 for it. You can't say fairer than that.听着，我给你100美元。你不能说比这更公平。

you don’t say!

(informal, often ironic) used to express surprise我就知道；不会吧；不至于吧
- ‘They left without us.’ ‘You don't say!’ (= I'm not surprised)“他们撇下我们自个儿走了。” “真的吗？”

you said it! (informal)

(British English) used to agree with somebody when they say something about themselves that you would not have been rude enough to say yourself（同意对方所作而碍于礼貌自己不便作出的评价）这话可是你说的
- ‘I know I'm not the world's greatest cook.’ ‘You said it!’“我知道我的饭菜做得不是太好。” “这话可是你说的！”
Topics Opinion and argumentc2
(North American English) used to agree with somebody’s suggestion（同意对方的提议）正合我心意Topics Opinion and argumentc2, Suggestions and advicec2