How to use “Dizer” in Portuguese simple learner phrases

Introduction

Learning how to use the verb dizer is essential for beginners in Brazilian Portuguese. This article explains simple conjugations, common phrases, and practical examples you can use in everyday conversations. By focusing on common contexts and clear examples, you will quickly feel more confident saying and understanding basic sentences with dizer.

What does dizer mean?

Dizer means to say or to tell in Brazilian Portuguese. It is an irregular verb often used in spoken and written language. You will hear it in conversations, on signs, in messages, and when people report information or give instructions.

Basic translations and related words

dizer = to say, to tell

falar = to speak, to talk (similar but not identical)

contar = to tell a story or to count

responder = to answer

Essential conjugations for beginners

Start with present, past (pretérito perfeito), and future forms used in simple sentences. These forms appear often in basic interactions.

Present tense (simple)

eu digo = I say

você diz = you say (singular, informal/formal)

ele/ela diz = he/she says

nós dizemos = we say

vocês dizem = you say (plural)

eles/elas dizem = they say

Pretérito perfeito (simple past)

eu disse = I said

você disse = you said

ele/ela disse = he/she said

nós dissemos = we said

vocês disseram = you said (plural)

eles/elas disseram = they said

Future tense (simple)

eu direi = I will say

você dirá = you will say

ele/ela dirá = he/she will say

nós diremos = we will say

vocês dirão = you will say (plural)

eles/elas dirão = they will say

Common beginner phrases with dizer

Here are practical phrases you can use immediately. Learn the English meaning and practice the Portuguese forms aloud.

Como você diz isso em português?
How do you say this in Portuguese?

O que você disse?
What did you say?

Ele disse a verdade.
He told the truth.

Ela me disse ontem.
She told me yesterday.

Posso dizer uma coisa?
Can I say one thing?

Diga para ele esperar.
Tell him to wait. (imperative)

Eles disseram que vêm amanhã.
They said they will come tomorrow.

Using polite forms

To be polite, use você or the third person with senhor/senhora in service situations.

Você poderia me dizer o horário?
Could you tell me the time?

O senhor poderia dizer onde fica a estação?
Could you tell me where the station is?

Short dialogues for beginners

Practice with simple dialogues you might use with friends, at a shop, or on public transport.

— Como você se chama?
— Eu me chamo Ana. E você?
— Eu me chamo João. O que Ana disse?
— Ela disse que trabalha aqui.

— Quanto custa este chá?
— O vendedor disse trinta reais.
— Obrigado. Vou levar.

Useful vocabulary that pairs with dizer

palavras = words

frase = sentence

pergunta = question

resposta = answer

informação = information

direção = direction

horário = schedule or time

Examples using this vocabulary

Ele disse poucas palavras.
He said few words.

Você pode repetir a frase que disse?
Can you repeat the sentence you said?

Ela respondeu, mas não disse o horário.
She answered, but she did not tell the time.

Imperative forms: giving commands and requests

Beginners often need to give or understand simple requests. The imperative is common in shops, classrooms, and daily life.

diz (tu) = say / tell (informal)

diga (você) = say / tell (polite)

dizemos (nós) is rarely used as an imperative in spoken Portuguese; use vamos dizer = let’s say

digam (vocês) = say / tell (plural)

Practical imperative examples

Diga seu nome no formulário.
Write/tell your name on the form.

Diz a resposta para o professor.
Tell the answer to the teacher. (informal)

Digam onde está o banheiro.
Tell me where the bathroom is. (addressing a group)

Reporting speech: como usar dizer para contar o que alguém falou

When you report what someone else said, you often use dizer + que. This is useful for relaying messages or reading news headlines.

Ele disse que não pode vir.
He said that he cannot come.

Ela disse que vai ligar depois.
She said that she will call later.

O motorista disse que o ônibus vai atrasar.
The driver said the bus will be delayed.

Notes on word order and connectors

Use que after dizer when adding a phrase clause. In spoken Portuguese, people sometimes omit the que, but beginners should include it for clarity.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Here are frequent errors learners make with dizer and simple corrections.

Mistake: Using falar instead of dizer for reporting speech.
Correction: Use dizer when relaying specific content. Example: Ele disse que vem hoje. Instead of Ele falou que vem hoje.

Mistake: Wrong past form like digo instead of disse.
Correction: Learn the irregular past: eu disse, você disse, nós dissemos.

Mistake: Forgetting que when needed for clarity.
Correction: Include que in reported speech: Ela disse que estava cansada.

Practical tips to remember forms

1. Memorize the most common forms: digo, diz, disse, dissemos, dirão.
2. Practice short dialogues focused on reporting and asking questions.
3. Listen to real phrases in Brazilian media or language apps to hear natural pronunciation.

Mini practice exercises for learners

Try these beginner activities to apply what you learned. Say answers aloud or write them down.

1. Translate to Portuguese: She said she is arriving tomorrow.
Model answer: Ela disse que chega amanhã.

2. Fill the blank with correct form: Eu ___ (dizer) a verdade ontem.
Model answer: Eu disse a verdade ontem.

3. Make a polite request: Ask a shop clerk to tell you the price.
Model answer: Você poderia me dizer o preço?

4. Report this message: Maria told me she likes coffee.
Model answer: Maria disse que gosta de café.

Everyday contexts where dizer appears

Understanding where to expect dizer helps beginners notice it in real life.

At a cafe: O garçom disse que o pedido vai demorar.
In messages: Ele disse: chego às 18h.
On signs or notices: Informações: diga seu número na recepção.
On schedules or announcements: O sistema disse que o trem chegou.

Listening tips

Listen for the key sounds: the present third person diz sounds like deez, and the past disse sounds like dees-eh. Practice with short audio clips and repeat aloud.

Quick review of do’s and don’ts

Do learn the irregular past form disse.

Do use que after dizer to introduce reported speech.

Do prefer dizer over falar when reporting content.

Don’t mix up dizer conjugations in simple sentences.

Don’t skip polite forms in service or formal situations; use diga or poderia me dizer.

Conclusion

Mastering dizer gives beginners a powerful tool for asking, reporting, and giving information in Brazilian Portuguese. Focus on the present, simple past, and imperative forms, practice with short dialogues and common phrases, and pay attention to the connector que for reported speech. With these practical examples and exercises, you will soon use dizer naturally in everyday situations.