Definition of say

sayverb
nói
/seɪ/

The word "say" has a fascinating history. The earliest recorded use of "say" dates back to Old English, circa 9th century. It's derived from the Proto-Germanic word "sehan", which meant "to see" or "to behold". This sense of "seeing" or "perceiving" is thought to have evolved into a sense of "uttering" or "speaking" over time. In Old English, "say" was used as a verb meaning "to affirm" or "to declare", often in a formal or official sense. For example, a king might say the word of judgment or a bishop might say the word of absolution. As Middle English developed, the meaning of "say" expanded to include casual conversation or everyday speech. Today, "say" can be used in a multitude of ways, from expressing an opinion or thought to quoting someone or something. Despite its evolution, the root sense of "seeing" or "perceiving" still lingers, implying a connection between speaking and understanding.

speak

to speak or tell somebody something, using words

nói hoặc nói với ai đó điều gì đó, sử dụng từ ngữ

Example:

‘Hello!’ she said.
“Xin chào!” cô ấy nói.
‘That was marvellous,’ said Daniel.
“Thật tuyệt vời,” Daniel nói.
A legendary football coach once said, ‘Winning is everything.’
Một huấn luyện viên bóng đá huyền thoại đã từng nói: ‘Chiến thắng là tất cả’.
Be quiet, I have something to say.
Im lặng đi, tôi có chuyện muốn nói.
Come and say hello.
Hãy đến và nói xin chào.
Please say yes!
Làm ơn nói có đi!
I didn't believe a word she said.
Tôi không tin một lời nào cô ấy nói.
That's a terrible thing to say.
Đó là một điều khủng khiếp để nói.
She said nothing to me about it.
Cô ấy không nói gì với tôi về điều đó.
I said to myself (= thought), ‘That can't be right!’
Tôi tự nhủ (= nghĩ), 'Điều đó không thể đúng được!'
He said (that) his name was Sam.
Anh ấy nói (rằng) tên anh ấy là Sam.
Can I just say I'm not happy about this?
Tôi có thể nói rằng tôi không hài lòng về điều này không?
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
Tôi phải nói rằng tôi đã rất ngạc nhiên.
It is said that she lived to be over 100.
Nghe nói bà sống tới hơn 100 tuổi.
She finds it hard to say what she feels.
Cô thấy thật khó để nói ra những gì cô cảm thấy.
‘That's impossible!’ ‘So you say (= but I think you may be wrong).’
‘Điều đó là không thể!’ ‘Vì vậy bạn nói (= nhưng tôi nghĩ bạn có thể sai).’
‘Why can't I go out now?’ ‘Because I say so.’
‘Tại sao tôi không thể ra ngoài bây giờ?’ ‘Bởi vì tôi nói vậy.’
‘What do you want it for?’ ‘I'd rather not say.’
“Anh muốn nó để làm gì?” “Tôi không muốn nói.”
He said to meet him here.
Anh ấy bảo gặp anh ấy ở đây.
He is said to have been a brilliant scholar.
Người ta nói ông là một học giả xuất sắc.

Extra examples:

‘I am home, ’ he said simply.
“Tôi đang ở nhà,” anh nói đơn giản.
‘I don't know,’ she said crossly.
"Tôi không biết", cô ấy cáu kỉnh nói.
‘There's nothing wrong with him, ’ she said airily.
"Anh ấy không có vấn đề gì cả", cô nói một cách nhẹ nhàng.
‘Well, at least we tried!’ he said with a shrug.
“Chà, ít nhất chúng tôi đã cố gắng!” anh ấy nhún vai nói.
‘You'll see!’ Lianne said with a smile.
‘Bạn sẽ thấy!’ Lianne nói với một nụ cười.
A government spokesman was quoted as saying that they would take steps to restore order.
Một phát ngôn viên của chính phủ được dẫn lời nói rằng họ sẽ thực hiện các bước để lập lại trật tự.
Can you honestly say you're sorry?
Bạn có thể thành thật nói lời xin lỗi được không?
I dared not say a word about it to anyone.
Tôi không dám nói một lời nào về chuyện đó với bất cứ ai.
I heard him say they were leaving tomorrow.
Tôi nghe anh ấy nói họ sẽ rời đi vào ngày mai.
I've forgotten what I was going to say.
Tôi quên mất những gì tôi định nói.

repeat words

to repeat words, phrases, etc.

để lặp lại các từ, cụm từ, vv

Example:

to say a prayer
nói một lời cầu nguyện
Try to say that line with more conviction.
Hãy cố gắng nói câu đó với sự thuyết phục hơn.

give written information

to give particular information or instructions

để cung cấp thông tin hoặc hướng dẫn cụ thể

Example:

The notice said ‘Keep Out’.
Thông báo có nội dung 'Tránh xa'.
The clock said three o'clock.
Đồng hồ chỉ ba giờ.
The instructions say (that) we should leave it to set for four hours.
Hướng dẫn nói rằng (rằng) chúng ta nên để nó trong bốn giờ.
The book doesn't say where he was born.
Cuốn sách không nói ông sinh ra ở đâu.
The guidebook says to turn left.
Sách hướng dẫn nói rẽ trái.

express opinion

to express an opinion on something

để bày tỏ ý kiến về một cái gì đó

Example:

Say what you like (= although you disagree) about her, she's a fine singer.
Nói những gì bạn thích (= mặc dù bạn không đồng ý) về cô ấy, cô ấy là một ca sĩ giỏi.
I'll say this for them, they're a very efficient company.
Tôi sẽ nói điều này với họ, họ là một công ty rất hiệu quả.
Anna thinks I'm lazy—what do you say (= what is your opinion)?
Anna nghĩ tôi lười biếng—bạn nói gì (= ý kiến của bạn là gì)?
I can't say I blame her for resigning (= I think she was right).
Tôi không thể nói rằng tôi đổ lỗi cho cô ấy vì đã từ chức (= tôi nghĩ cô ấy đã đúng).
I have to say I enjoyed every minute.
Tôi phải nói rằng tôi tận hưởng từng phút.
I say (= suggest) we go without them.
Tôi nói (= đề nghị) chúng ta đi mà không có họ.
I wouldn't say they were rich (= in my opinion they are not rich).
Tôi sẽ không nói họ giàu có (= theo ý kiến của tôi là họ không giàu có).
That's not to say it's a bad movie (= it is good but it is not without faults).
Điều đó không có nghĩa là đó là một bộ phim tệ (= nó hay nhưng không phải là không có lỗi).
It's hard to say what caused the accident.
Thật khó để nói nguyên nhân gây ra vụ tai nạn.
It's difficult to say whether the story is true.
Thật khó để nói liệu câu chuyện có thật hay không.
‘When will it be finished?’ ‘I couldn't say (= I don't know).’
‘Khi nào nó sẽ hoàn thành?’ ‘Tôi không thể nói (= tôi không biết).’
Is it worth it? I would say not.
Nó có đáng không? Tôi sẽ nói là không.

Extra examples:

Do you have anything to say about this?
Bạn có điều gì muốn nói về điều này không?
I wouldn't like to say what the impact might be on my business.
Tôi không muốn nói trước tác động của nó tới doanh nghiệp của tôi.
She wasn't at her best, it has to be said.
Phải nói rằng cô ấy không ở trạng thái tốt nhất.
It's difficult to say exactly where it will land.
Thật khó để nói chính xác nó sẽ rơi vào đâu.
I hate to say it, but I think Stephen may be right.
Tôi ghét phải nói điều này, nhưng tôi nghĩ Stephen có thể đúng.
I have to say I didn't expect it to be so good.
Tôi phải nói rằng tôi không mong đợi nó sẽ tốt như vậy.
It is fair to say a considerable amount of effort went into the project.
Công bằng mà nói thì dự án này đã được đầu tư rất nhiều công sức.

show thoughts/feelings

to make thoughts, feelings, etc. clear to somebody by using words, looks, movements, etc.

làm cho ai đó hiểu rõ những suy nghĩ, cảm xúc, v.v. bằng cách sử dụng từ ngữ, ánh mắt, chuyển động, v.v.

Example:

His angry glance said it all.
Cái nhìn giận dữ của anh đã nói lên tất cả.
Just what is the artist trying to say in her work?
Nghệ sĩ đang cố gắng nói gì trong tác phẩm của mình?
The museum's architects have managed to say something about our national story.
Các kiến trúc sư của bảo tàng đã cố gắng nói lên điều gì đó về câu chuyện quốc gia của chúng ta.

show what somebody/something is like

to show, sometimes indirectly, what somebody/something is like

để thể hiện, đôi khi một cách gián tiếp, ai đó/cái gì đó giống như thế nào

Example:

That says it all really, doesn't it? (= it shows clearly what is true)
Điều đó thực sự nói lên tất cả, phải không? (= nó cho thấy rõ điều gì là đúng)
The incident says an awful lot about his character.
Sự việc nói lên rất nhiều điều về tính cách của anh ấy.
This says to me that there is more here than you are letting on.
Điều này nói với tôi rằng ở đây còn nhiều điều hơn những gì bạn đang tiết lộ.

give example

to suggest or give something as an example or a possibility

để đề nghị hoặc đưa ra một cái gì đó như một ví dụ hoặc một khả năng

Example:

You could learn the basics in, let's say, three months.
Bạn có thể học những điều cơ bản trong khoảng ba tháng.
Let’s take any writer, say (= for example) Dickens…
Hãy lấy bất kỳ nhà văn nào, nói (= ví dụ) Dickens…
Say you lose your job: what would you do then?
Giả sử bạn bị mất việc: lúc đó bạn sẽ làm gì?
Just say he refuses to talk to you.
Chỉ cần nói rằng anh ấy từ chối nói chuyện với bạn.

Idioms

be easier said than done

(saying)to be much more difficult to do than to talk about

‘Why don't you get yourself a job?’ ‘That's easier said than done.’

before you can say Jack Robinson

(old-fashioned)very quickly; in a very short time

enough said

used to say that you understand a situation and there is no need to say any more

‘He's a politician, remember.’ ‘Enough said.’

go without saying

to be very obvious or easy to predict

Of course I'll help you. That goes without saying.

have something, nothing, etc. to say for yourself

to be ready, unwilling, etc. to talk or give your views on something

She doesn't have much to say for herself (= doesn't take part in conversation).

He had plenty to say for himself (= he had a lot of opinions and was willing to talk).

Late again—what have you got to say for yourself (= what is your excuse)?

have something to say (to somebody) about something

to be angry

He knew that if he wasn't back by midnight, his parents would have something to say about it.

having said that | that said

(informal)used to introduce an opinion that makes what you have just said seem less strong

I sometimes get worried in this job. Having said that, I enjoy doing it, it's a challenge.

I dare say

used when you are saying that something is likely

I dare say you know about it already.

if you don’t mind me/my saying so…

used when you are going to criticize somebody or say something that might upset them

That colour doesn't really suit you, if you don't mind my saying so.

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

I hear what you're saying, but you're wrong.

I’ll say!

(old-fashioned, informal)used for emphasis to say ‘yes’

‘Does she see him often?’ ‘I'll say! Nearly every day.’

I’m glad to say (that…)

(informal)used when you are commenting on a situation and saying that you are happy about it

Most teachers, I'm glad to say, take their jobs very seriously.

I’m sorry to say

used for saying that something is disappointing

He didn't accept the job, I'm sorry to say.

I must say

(informal)used to emphasize an opinion

Well, I must say, that's the funniest thing I've heard all week.

I say

used to express surprise, shock, etc.

I say! What a huge cake!

used to attract somebody’s attention or introduce a new subject of conversation

I say, can you lend me five pounds?

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

(informal)it shows a good/bad quality that somebody/something has

It says a lot for her that she never lost her temper.

It didn't say much for their efficiency that the order arrived a week late.

I wouldn’t say no (to something)

(informal)used to say that you would like something or to accept something that is offered

I wouldn't say no to a pizza.

‘Tea, Brian?’ ‘I wouldn't say no.’

least said soonest mended

(British English, saying)a bad situation will pass or be forgotten most quickly if nothing more is said about it

the less/least said the better

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

let's just say

used when commenting on a situation to suggest that you could say something more or worse but prefer not to

Let's just say he wasn't very happy about the decision (= he was very unhappy or angry about it).

let us say

used when making a suggestion or giving an example

I can let you have it for, well let's say £100.

mean to say

used to emphasize what you are saying or to ask somebody if they really mean what they say

I mean to say, you should have known how he would react!

Do you mean to say you've lost it?

needless to say

used to emphasize that the information you are giving is obvious

The problem, needless to say, is the cost involved.

never say die

(saying)do not stop hoping

no sooner said than done

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

not have a good word to say for somebody/something

(informal)to never say anything good about somebody/something

Nobody had a good word to say about him.

not say boo to a goose

to be very shy or gentle

He's so nervous he wouldn't say boo to a goose.

not to say

used to introduce a stronger way of describing something

a difficult, not to say impossible, task

say cheese

used to ask somebody to smile before you take their photograph

say a mouthful

(North American English, informal)to say something important

You said a mouthful there, buddy.

say no (to something)

to refuse an offer, a suggestion, etc.

If you don't invest in this, you're saying no to a potential fortune.

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

‘They went to Paris together.’ ‘Say no more!’

say your piece

to say exactly what you feel or think

say what?

(North American English, informal)used to express surprise at what somebody has just said

‘He's getting married.’ ‘Say what?’

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

say/give the word

to give an order; to make a request

Just say the word, and I'll go.

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

I won’t go into all the details. Suffice it to say that the whole event was a complete disaster.

that is to say

in other words

three days from now, that is to say on Friday

that said | having said that

used to introduce an opinion that makes what you have just said seem less strong

that’s not saying much

used to say that something is not very unusual or special

She's a better player than me, but that's not saying much (= because I am a very bad player).

there’s no saying

used to say that it is impossible to predict what might happen

There's no saying how he'll react.

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

to say the least

without making something seem better, worse, more serious, etc. than it really is

I was surprised, to say the least.

to say nothing of something

used to introduce a further fact or thing in addition to those already mentioned

It was too expensive, to say nothing of the time it wasted.

well said!

(informal)I agree completely

‘We must stand up for ourselves.’ ‘Well said, John.’

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

(informal)would you like something/to do something?

What would you say to eating out tonight?

Let's go away for a weekend. What do you say?

whatever you say

(informal)used to agree to somebody’s suggestion because you do not want to argue

what/whatever somebody says, goes

(informal, often humorous)a particular person must be obeyed

Sarah wanted the kitchen painted green, and what she says, goes.

when all is said and done

when everything is considered

I know you're upset, but when all's said and done it isn't exactly a disaster.

who can say (…)?

used to say that nobody knows the answer to a question

Who can say what will happen next year?

who says (…)?

(informal)used to disagree with a statement or an opinion

Who says I can't do it?

who’s to say (…)?

used to say that something might happen or might have happened in a particular way, because nobody really knows

Who's to say we would not have succeeded if we'd had more time?

you can say that again

(informal)I agree with you completely

‘He's in a bad mood today.’ ‘You can say that again!’

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

Look, I'll give you £100 for it. You can't say fairer than that.

you don’t say!

(informal, often ironic)used to express surprise

‘They left without us.’ ‘You don't say!’ (= I'm not surprised)

you said it!

(British English)used to agree with somebody when they say something about themselves that you would not have been rude enough to say yourself

‘I know I'm not the world's greatest cook.’ ‘You said it!’

(North American English)used to agree with somebody’s suggestion

Definition of say

sayverbnói/seɪ/

Related words and phrases

Idioms

sayverb
nói
/seɪ/