say
say — verb
1. to use your voice to produce words or sentences, telling someone something or gi
to use your voice to produce words or sentences, telling someone something or giving information.
Lucía said goodbye to her classmates before leaving the school.
say + goodbye [+ to someone] — common fixed phrase for parting
The teacher said that the exam would be next Monday.
say + that-clause for reporting what someone told you
Mark said something quietly, but nobody could hear him.
What did Mayumi say when you told her the news?
- remain silent
to not say anything
文法句型
say + something
say + that-clause
say + to someone
用法筆記
Unlike 'tell', 'say' does NOT need an indirect object before the content. Compare: 'He said (that) he was tired.' vs 'He told me (that) he was tired.'
常見錯誤
2. to have a particular opinion or belief about something, especially based on what
to have a particular opinion or belief about something, especially based on what others think or on general knowledge.
The newspaper says that the economy is getting better.
inanimate subject + say + that-clause for reported opinion
I would say this is the best restaurant in town, but the prices are quite high.
I would say — softening a personal opinion
They say that walking for thirty minutes a day is good for your health.
Kwame said he thought the movie was too long, but Élise disagreed.
文法句型
say + that-clause
be said to be
用法筆記
Common in the fixed expression 'they say / people say' to refer to general belief or common knowledge, not a specific speaker.
3. to openly state your opinion, suggestion, or judgment on a matter, especially wh
to openly state your opinion, suggestion, or judgment on a matter, especially when asked or in a discussion.
Aylin said at the meeting that the project needed more time.
say + that-clause for stating an opinion in a discussion
I would just like to say that the new policy seems unfair to part-time workers.
would like to say — polite way to introduce an opinion
Eitan said what everyone was thinking — that the schedule was too tight.
Do you have anything to say about the proposed changes?
文法句型
say + that-clause
say + what/where/whether
have something to say
用法筆記
Often used in discussion contexts (meetings, debates) where a person gives their view. The fixed phrase 'have a lot to say about something' suggests strong feelings toward a topic.
常見錯誤
4. to communicate a feeling, thought, or attitude through facial expressions, body
to communicate a feeling, thought, or attitude through facial expressions, body movements, or other signals rather than spoken words.
Jisoo's smile said more than any words could express.
body part / expression + says — non-verbal communication metaphor
The look on Lakshmi's face said she was not happy with the decision.
Tendai's tired eyes said that he had been working all night.
The way Ezra hugged his grandmother said how much he had missed her.
- show
less poetic; used in both spoken and written English
- reveal
stronger emphasis on making something known that was hidden
- communicate
broader, covering both verbal and non-verbal expression
文法句型
body part + says + (that)
用法筆記
Subject is typically a facial feature (face, eyes, smile), a gesture, or a person's general manner. Often used to describe emotions someone is not expressing verbally.
5. used in the passive form to report what people generally believe or think about
used in the passive form to report what people generally believe or think about someone or something, without naming who believes it.
The old castle is said to be haunted by a ghost.
be said to be — passive structure for general belief
Constanza is said to be one of the best violinists in the country.
The painting is said to have been painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
That area of the city is said to be quite dangerous after dark.
- reportedly
adverb used with other verbs, e.g. 'she is reportedly dating him'
- rumored
suggests the belief may not be true
- believed to be
more direct synonym for 'said to be'
文法句型
be said to be
be said to have
用法筆記
Only the passive form 'be said' is used in this sense. The active form with 'people' ('people say') can sometimes replace it, but 'be said to' is more formal and common in writing.
常見錯誤
6. if a sign, clock, notice, or other object says something, it shows or gives that
if a sign, clock, notice, or other object says something, it shows or gives that information in written form or through its display.
The sign on the door says Private — No Entry.
inanimate subject + says — signs display information
My watch says it is already half past seven.
The invitation says that the party starts at eight o'clock.
The notice on the wall says all visitors must sign in at the front desk.
文法句型
sign/watch/notice + says + (that)
用法筆記
This sense only works with non-living subjects that display information. You cannot use 'say' this way for sounds or smells ('The bell says lunch is ready' is incorrect — use 'means' instead).
常見錯誤
7. to show or suggest a particular quality, characteristic, or inner state of someo
to show or suggest a particular quality, characteristic, or inner state of someone or something by being observed.
Ezra's careful preparation said a lot about his dedication to the job.
say a lot about — fixed expression for revealing character
The empty fridge said that no one had been home for days.
Aylin's decision to volunteer on weekends says a lot about her kindness.
The condition of the furniture says how long the house has been empty.
文法句型
something + says + a lot/about
用法筆記
Most common in the fixed phrase 'say a lot / something / nothing about' to comment on the meaning behind observable facts. The subject is always an action, situation, or object — not a person directly.
常見錯誤
say — exclamation
1. uttered as an exclamation to show surprise, delight, or to direct someone's focu
uttered as an exclamation to show surprise, delight, or to direct someone's focus toward what you will say next.
Say! I just remembered that I left my wallet at home.
exclamation — expressing sudden recollection
Say, that is a beautiful painting! Where did you buy it?
Say, is that Lucía over there by the coffee shop?
Say, I never expected to run into you here!
say — noun
1. the right or opportunity to express your opinion and influence a decision that a
the right or opportunity to express your opinion and influence a decision that affects you.
As a member of the club, you have a say in how the money is spent.
have a say in — right to influence decisions
The employees want more say in the company's policies.
Parents should have a say in what their children learn at school.
The residents demanded a say in the new park design.
- no say
being excluded from decision-making
文法句型
have a say (in something)
get a say
用法筆記
Almost always used in the singular, usually with 'a' or 'some'. 'Have a say' is a fixed collocation. The verb that follows is typically 'in + noun/gerund'.