say
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++LDOCE 5++say1 /seɪ/ ●●● S1 W1 verb (past tense and past participle said /sed/, third person singular says /sez/) 1 express STH in words 用言语表达某事物 [intransitive only in negatives, transitive]SAY to express an idea, feeling, thought etc using words 说 ‘I’m so tired, ’ she said. “我太累了。”她说。 ‘Don’t cry, ’ he said softly. “别哭了。”他柔声说道。 Don’t believe anything he says. 他说什么都不要相信。say (that) A spokesman said that the company had improved its safety standards. 一名发言人说公司已经提高了安全标准。 I always said I would buy a motorbike when I had enough money. 我一直说等我有了足够的钱就买一辆摩托车。say how/why/who etc Did she say what happened? 她有没有说发生了什么事？ I would like to say how much we appreciate your hard work. 我想说我们对你的辛勤劳动非常感谢。 ‘Why did she leave?’ ‘I don’t know – she didn’t say.’ “她为什么要离开？”“我不知道——她没说。”say something to somebody What did you say to her? 你对她说了什么？n ‘This is strange, ’ he said to himself.a terrible/silly/strange etc thing to say 这话说得多傻！ What a silly thing to say! 这话说得多傻！say hello/goodbye/thank you etc (=say something to greet someone, thank someone etc) 说你好/再见/谢谢等 She left without saying goodbye. 她不辞而别。say you’re sorry (=apologize) 道歉 I’ve said I’m sorry – what more do you want? 我已经道歉了——你还要怎样？say yes/no (to something) (=agree or refuse) 同意/不同意（某事） Can I go, Mum? Oh, please say yes! 我可以去吗，妈妈？唉，请你同意吧！say nothing/anything/something (about something) He looked as if he was going to say something. 他看起来好像要说什么。 I wished I had said nothing about Jordi. 我真希望当时没有对乔迪发表任何意见。have anything/nothing/something to say Does anyone else have anything to say? 还有人要说什么吗？ Although he didn’t say so, it was clear that he was in pain. 虽然他没说，但是他明显很痛苦。 What makes you say that (=why do you think that) 你怎么会那么说呢？? 你怎么会那么说呢？say to do something (=tell someone to do something) 说要做某事 Nina said to meet her at 4.30. 尼娜说4点30分和她碰头。 I’d like to say a few words (=make a short speech). 我想简单地说几句。 ‘So what are your plans now?’ ‘I’d rather not say.’ “那么你现在的计划是什么？”“我还是不说的好。” → see Thesaurus box on 0000005 GRAMMAR 语法• You cannot ‘say someone something’ or ‘say someone to do something’ . Use tell . 不能说say someone something或say someone to do something,要用tellShe told me (NOT 不说 said me) something shocking.她告诉了我一件令人震惊的事。• You can say something about something but you cannot ‘say about something’ . Use talk . 可以说say something about something,但是不能说say about something,要用talkHe told me (NOT 不说 said me) to sit down.他叫我坐下。He did not talk about (NOT 不说 say about) his feelings.他没有谈及自己的感受。 RegisterIn written English, people often avoid using say when referring to opinions or ideas expressed by another writer. Instead, they prefer to use a more formal verb such as argue, assert, claim, or maintain. 在书面英语中,说到某位作者表达了什么意见或观点时,人们经常避免使用say,而是使用一个比较正式的动词,如argue, assert, claim或maintain。2 give information 表达信息 [transitive]SAY/STATE to give information in the form of written words, numbers, or pictures – used about signs, clocks, letters, messages etc 〔用文字、数字、图画〕表达〔信息〕，说明3 mean 表示 [transitive] used to talk about what someone means 表示，表达〔意思〕4 think that STH is true 认为某事是真实的 [transitive]5 show/be a sign of STH 表明有/是某物的迹象 [transitive]6 speak the words of STH 说出词语 [transitive]PRAY to speak the words that are written in a play, poem, or prayer 念，朗诵7 pronounce 发音,读 [transitive]SAY to pronounce a word or sound 发音，读8 suggest/suppose STH 认为/假定某事 [transitive]SUGGEST used when suggesting or supposing that something might happen or be true 认为；假定，比方说9 say to yourself THINK something/HAVE A THOUGHTto try to persuade yourself that something is true or not true 自忖，对自己说 SPOKEN PHRASES38 say something to somebody’s face informalTELL to criticize someone or say something unpleasant directly to them instead of saying it to someone else 当着某人的面直说[直接批评]39 that’s not saying much STRANGEused to say that it is not surprising that someone or something is better than another person or thing because the other person or thing is so bad 没什么奇怪的，没什么不寻常的〔表示另一人或物太糟糕〕40 to say the least EXPRESSused to say that you could have described something, criticized someone etc a lot more severely than you have 至少可以说，说得客气点41 that is to say EXPLAINused before giving more details or being more exact about something 那就是说，换句话说，更具体地说42 that is not to say TRUEused to make sure the person you are talking to does not think something that is not true 那并不是说，那并不表示43 not to say especially British EnglishEXPRESS used when adding a stronger description of something 更不用说，甚至可以说44 a lot/something/not much etc to be said for (doing) something SHOW/BE A SIGN OFused to say that there are a lot of or not many advantages to something （做）某事有许多/有些/没有多少好处等45 to say nothing of something MENTIONused to mention another thing involved in what you have just been talking about 更不用说；何况46 have something to say about something ANGRYto be angry about something 为某事不高兴，对某事生气47. have a lot to say for yourself TALK TO somebodyto talk a lot 有许多话要说，有一肚子话要说48. not have much to say for yourself to not talk very much 没多少话要说49 what somebody says goes CONTROLused to emphasize who is in control in a situation 某人说了算；照某人说的办〔用于强调〕50. say your piece to give your opinion about something, especially something you do not like 〔尤指对不喜欢的事〕说出心里话，说出意见 → wouldn’t say boo to a goose at boo2(3), → easier said than done at easy2(4), → enough said at enough2(6), → it goes without saying at go without, → needless to say at needless(1), → no sooner said than done at soon(9), → not say/breathe a word at word1(10), → well said at well1(13), → when all’s said and done at all1(17)n COLLOCATIONSthings that you saysay hello/goodbyeI came to say goodbye.say thank youI just wanted to say thank you for being there.say sorry/say that you’re sorryIt was probably too late to say sorry.say yes/noSome parents are unable to say no to their children.say something/anything/nothingI was about to say something to him when he looked up and smiled.say some wordsShe stopped abruptly, suddenly afraid to say the words aloud.adverbssay soIf you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to say so.phrasesa terrible/stupid/odd etc thing to sayI know it’s a terrible thing to say, but I wish he’d just go away.have something/anything/nothing to sayHe usually has something to say about just about everything. THESAURUSto say something 说say to tell someone something, using words 说‘I really ought to go, ’ she said. “我真的该走了。”她说。Lauren said she’d probably be late. 劳伦说她可能会晚到。state to say something, especially in a definite or formal way – used in official contexts 陈述,说明〔用于正式文体〕The witness stated that he had never seen the woman before. 证人称他以前从未见过那名女子。Please state your name and address. 请说出你的姓名和地址。announce to publicly tell people about something 宣布,公布The chairman announced his resignation. 主席宣布辞职。The results will be announced tomorrow. 明天公布结果。nWe will announce the winners next Sunday. nThey were announcing the train times over the loudspeaker system.declare to say something very firmly 声称,宣称‘My personal life is none of your business, ’ she declared. “我的个人生活与你无关。”她断然说道。mention to talk about someone or something, especially without giving many details 提及〔尤指不给出细节〕Did Tom mention anything about what happened at school? 汤姆有没有提到学校里发生了什么？Your name was mentioned! 提到你名字了！express to let someone know your feelings by putting them into words 〔用言语〕表达〔情感〕Young children often find it difficult to express their emotions. 幼儿往往难以表达自己的情绪。comment to say what your opinion is about someone or something 评论,发表意见The prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis. 首相被要求对这次危机发表评论。note/remark formal to say that you have noticed that something is true – used especially in formal writing 指出,谈到〔尤用于正式的书面文体〕We have already noted that most old people live alone. 我们已经谈到大多数老人是独居的。Someone once remarked that the problem with computers is that they only give you answers. 有人曾经说过,电脑的问题在于它只提供答案。add to say something more, after what has already been said 补充说He added that he thought it could be done fairly cheaply. 他又补充说,他觉得可以便宜点搞定。point out to mention something that seems particularly important or relevant 指出Dr Graham points out that most children show some signs of abnormal behaviour. 格雷厄姆博士指出,大多数儿童都会显露出行为异常的某些迹象。It’s worth pointing out that few people actually die of this disease. 值得指出的是,很少有人真的死于这种疾病。air to talk about your opinions, worries, or the things you disagree about 发表〔意见〕: air your views/grievances/differencesThe programme will give listeners the chance to air their views about immigration. 这档节目为听众提供了对移民问题发表看法的机会。Workers were able to air their grievances. 工人们可以说出自己的不满。nvoice to talk publicly about your feelings or about whether you approve or disapprove of something formal: voice concern/support/doubt/fears etcThe president has already voiced his support for the proposal.She voiced concern for the safety of the hostages.different ways of saying something 说的不同方式whisper to say something very quietly, using your breath rather than your full voice 低语,低声说‘Don’t wake the baby, ’ Jenny whispered. “别吵醒宝宝。”珍妮轻声说。mumble to say something quietly without pronouncing the words clearly 咕哝,含糊地说He mumbled his thanks. 他嘴里含糊不清地说着感谢的话。mutter to say something quietly, especially when you are annoyed but do not want someone to hear you complaining 嘀咕,悄声说〔尤指不高兴,但又不想让人听到你在抱怨〕‘This is ridiculous, ’ he muttered under his breath. “这真荒唐。”他轻声嘟囔着。nShe muttered something about having to go home early. murmur to say something in a soft slow gentle voice 轻声地说,柔声地说She stroked his hair and murmured, ‘Don’t worry. You’ll be all right.’ 她轻抚着他的头发柔声说道:“别担心,你会没事的。”growl to say something in a low angry voice 低声吼道‘As I was saying, ’ Lewis growled, ‘it needs to be finished today.’ “我刚才说过的,”刘易斯低声吼道,“今天必须完成。”snarl to say something in a nasty angry way 怒吼‘Get out of my way!’ he snarled. “滚开！”他吼道。exclaim to say something suddenly and loudly 呼喊,惊叫‘How beautiful!’ she exclaimed. “多美啊！”她惊叹道。blurt out to suddenly say something without thinking, especially something embarrassing or secret 脱口说出〔令人难堪或秘密的事〕It was partly nervousness that had made him blurt out the question. 他脱口问了这个问题,部分原因是紧张。stammer/stutter to speak with a lot of pauses and repeated sounds, because you have a speech problem, or because you are nervous or excited 〔因为口吃紧张或激动〕结结巴巴地说‘I’ll, I’ll only be a m-moment, ’ he stammered. “我——我只要一——一会儿。”他结结巴巴地说。n GRAMMAR: Comparisonsay• You say something to someone: The principal said a few words to us. ✗Don’t say: say someone something• You use say with speech marks (‘...’) when quoting the exact words that someone used: ‘I’m sorry I’m late, ’ she said.Joe said: ‘I’ll be back soon.’• You use say (that) when reporting what someone said: She said that she was sorry she was late.Joe said he would be back soon. After said, the verb in the other clause is usually also in the past tense.tell• You tell someone something: Diane told me the news.He told us a long story. ✗Don’t say: tell something to someone• You tell someone about something that has happened: She told me about the accident. ✗Don’t say: He told about the accident.• You use tell someone (that) when reporting what someone said: I told them that I was sorry.The teacher told me I could go home. After told, the verb in the other clause is usually also in the past tense. ✗Don’t say: He told that he was sorry.→ See Verb table
Examples from the Corpus
say• I couldn't think of anything to say.• "I must be going, " she said.• "Is Joyce coming over later?" "She didn't say."• "Where's Pam going?" "I don't know. She didn't say."• Say a student came to you with a problem. You'd try to help them, right?• "I'm in love, " said Dennis.• Lauren came over to say goodbye to us.• Although we must have done about 100 miles, the petrol gauge still said half-full.• It says here that the police are closing in on the killer.• Did they say how long the operation would take?• It says in today's paper that gas prices are going up again.• One look said it all -- Richard knew that Sally wouldn't marry him.• So what you're saying, Mr President, is that you don't have a policy on this issue.• Most modern art doesn't say much to me.• Julie's clothes and her whole attitude just said "New York".• I asked Dad if he'd lend me some money, but he said no.• If there's anything you're not happy about, please say so.• Did Peter say that he would be late?• James wrote to the bank and said we needed a loan.• How do you say your last name?I’d rather not say• "What were you doing at the time of the accident?" "I'd rather not say."say who/what/how etc• It was hard to say what kind of a difference the class had made.• Near-spent batteries are good, but it doesn't say how long they will remain so!• He said how much his parents were looking forward to meeting Liza, especially as they had always wanted a daughter.• In a letter, Benckiser declined to say how much more it would offer for Maybelline.• But since none of us can be completely objective we have a responsibility to say what our biases are.• The vic-tims started to see strangers everywhere, indifferent people who came and went and never said who they were.• You may even wish to say what things of interest may be seen along that route.• Will my right hon. and learned Friend say how we compared internationally in the 1970s and the 1980s?All I’m saying is• All I'm saying is that it would be better to do this first.somebody is said to be something/do something• A certain number of members must be present before a meeting is said to be quorate and can proceed.• In the meanwhile, he is said to be hurt and shocked by the hostility of the reaction to the strategy proposals.• Lower marginal rates would also improve work incentives and shrink the black economy, which is said to be booming.• She is said to be bricked up in her room, spinning her hand loom for all eternity.• Suppose a scene is said to be in correct perspective?• The system is said to be the most advanced in the world, and has already led to several arrests.• The total damage done is said to be millions and millions.• This is said to be a future three star route.says a lot about• H passes, it says a lot about communities that have become active behind it.• Their selection says a lot about the administration in which they have been asked to serve.• That says a lot about the curse hanging over the country.• This says a lot about the state of computing today.• That says a lot about their attitude to the problem.• But I think that says a lot about this team.• Whatever your uniform, it says a lot about your personal style.say a prayer for• He planted a dead vine branch, then said a prayer for an early harvest.How do you say• Nobody rewrote the guidelines accordingly. How do you say good night?say2 ●●○ noun [singular, uncountable] 1 RIGHT/HAVE THE RIGHT TOthe right to take part in deciding something 决定权；发言权2 have your say POWERto have the opportunity to give your opinion about something 有发表意见的机会Examples from the Corpus
say• The public hospitals are managed by the states, and the federal government has very little direct say in them.• Huckelberry makes a final recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, which has the final say.• Probably the best thing about his show was that he let people have their say.has the final say• The skipper is legally responsible for your safety and has the final say over where you go.• The state Board of Education -- Florida's governor and Cabinet -- has the final say.• Under the constitution, the supreme leader, appointed by conservative clerics, has the final say in matters of state.• When siting the pumps, he explains, the community has the final say.• You can do all the planning you like, but in the end the Old Course has the final say.• They are said to be his own work, although the truth is that he probably has the final say.• Huckelberry makes a final recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, which has the final say.say3 interjection American English informal ATTENTIONused to express surprise, or to get someone’s attention so that you can tell them something 哎，我说〔用于表示惊讶或引起别人注意〕 Say, haven’t I seen you before somewhere? 哎，我以前是不是在哪里见过你啊？Examples from the Corpus
say• Say, Mike, how about a beer after work?• Say, my lights don't work.Origin say1 Old English secgansay1 verb →10-22
→5 GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2 →n GRAMMAR3 →n GRAMMAR4
→REGISTER1 →n COLLOCATIONS1 →THESAURUS1 →SPOKEN PHRASES1say2 nounsay3 interjectionLDOCE OnlineChinese
→5 GRAMMAR1 →n GRAMMAR2 →n GRAMMAR3 →n GRAMMAR4
→REGISTER1 →n COLLOCATIONS1 →THESAURUS1 →SPOKEN PHRASES1say2 nounsay3 interjectionLDOCE OnlineChinese
words feeling, using etc to thought idea, express an Corpus
say
say1 S1 W1 /seɪ/ 
verb (past tense and past participle said /sed/, third person singular says /sez/)
‘I’m so tired,’ she said.
‘Don’t cry,’ he said softly.
Don’t believe anything he says.
say (that)
A spokesman said that the company had improved its safety standards.
I always said I would buy a motorbike when I had enough money.
say how/why/who etc
Did she say what happened?
I would like to say how much we appreciate your hard work.
‘Why did she leave?’ ‘I don’t know – she didn’t say.’
say something to somebody
What did you say to her?
a terrible/silly/strange etc thing to say
What a silly thing to say!
say hello/goodbye/thank you etc (=say something to greet someone, thank someone etc)
She left without saying goodbye.
say you’re sorry (=apologize)
I’ve said I’m sorry – what more do you want?
say yes/no (to something) (=agree or refuse)
Can I go, Mum? Oh, please say yes!
say nothing/anything/something (about something)
He looked as if he was going to say something.
I wished I had said nothing about Jordi.
have anything/nothing/something to say
Does anyone else have anything to say?
Although he didn’t say so, it was clear that he was in pain.
What makes you say that (=why do you think that)?
say to do something (=tell someone to do something)
Nina said to meet her at 4.30.
I’d like to say a few words (=make a short speech).
‘So what are your plans now?’ ‘I’d rather not say.’ ⇨ see Thesaurus box on P. 1553
GRAMMAR
You cannot 'say someone something' or 'say someone to do something'. Use tell:
▪She told me (NOT said me) something shocking.
▪He told me (NOT said me) to sit down.
You can say something about something but you cannot 'say about something'. Use talk:
▪He did not talk about (NOT say about) his feelings.
REGISTER
In written English, people often avoid using say when referring to opinions or ideas expressed by another writer. Instead, they prefer to use a more formal verb such as argue, assert, claim, or maintain.
2. GIVE INFORMATION [transitive not in passive] to give information in the form of written words, numbers, or pictures – used about signs, clocks, letters, messages etc:
The sign said ‘Back in 10 minutes’.
The clock said twenty past three.
say (that)
He received a letter saying that the appointment had been cancelled.
say to do something (=give information about what you should do)
The label says to take one tablet before meals.
say who/what/how etc
The card doesn’t even say who sent the flowers.
It says here they have live music.
3. MEAN [transitive usually in progressive] used to talk about what someone means:
What do you think the writer is trying to say in this passage?
So what you’re saying is, there’s none left.
be saying (that)
Are you saying I’m fat?
I’m not saying it’s a bad idea.
All I’m saying is that it might be better to wait a while.
4. THINK THAT SOMETHING IS TRUE [transitive]
used to talk about something that people think is true
they say/people say/ it is said (that)
They say that she has been all over the world.
It is said that he was a spy during the war.
somebody is said to be something/do something
He’s said to be the richest man in the world.
Well, you know what they say – blood’s thicker than water.
The rest, as they say, is history.
5. SHOW/BE A SIGN OF SOMETHING [transitive]
a. to show clearly that something is true about someone or something’s character:
The kind of car you drive says what kind of person you are.
The fact that she never apologized says a lot about (=shows very clearly) what kind of person she is.
It said a lot for the manager (=it showed that he is good) that the team remained confident despite losing.
These results don’t say much for the quality of teaching (=they show that it is not very good).
b. to show what someone is really feeling or thinking, especially without using words:
The look on her face said ‘I love you.’
something says everything/says it all
His expression said it all.
6. SPEAK THE WORDS OF SOMETHING [transitive] to speak the words that are written in a play, poem, or prayer:
Can you say that line again, this time with more feeling?
I’ll say a prayer for you.
7. PRONOUNCE [transitive] to pronounce a word or sound:
How do you say your last name?
8. SUGGEST/SUPPOSE SOMETHING [transitive usually in imperative] used when suggesting or supposing that something might happen or be true
... say ...
If we put out, say, twenty chairs, would that be enough?
let’s say (that)/just say (that)
Let’s say your plan fails, then what?
Just say you won the lottery – what would you do?
9. say to yourself to try to persuade yourself that something is true or not true:
I kept saying to myself that this wasn’t really happening.
SPOKEN PHRASES
10. I must say (also I have to say) used to emphasize what you are saying:
The cake does look good, I must say.
I have to say I was impressed.
11. I can’t say (that) used to say that you do not think or feel something:
I can’t say I envy her being married to him!
12. I would say used for giving your opinion even though other people may not agree:
I’d say he was jealous.
13. I couldn’t say used when you do not know the answer to something:
I couldn’t say who will win.
14. if I may say so (also if I might say so) formal used to be polite when saying something that may embarrass or offend the person you are talking to:
That’s just the point, Mr Glover, if I may say so.
15. having said that used to say that something is true in spite of what you have just said:
The diet can make you slim without exercise. Having said that, however, exercise is important too.
16. wouldn’t you say? used to ask someone whether they agree with the statement you have just made:
It seems very unlikely, wouldn’t you say?
17. what do you say? used to ask someone if they agree with a suggestion:
We could go into partnership – what do you say?
What do you say we all go to a movie?
What would you say to a meal out?
18. say no more used to say that you understand what someone means, although they have not said it directly:
‘I saw him leaving her house at 6.30 this morning.’ ‘Say no more!’
19. you can say that again! used to say that you completely agree with someone:
‘It’s cold in here.’ ‘You can say that again!’
20. you said it!
a. used when someone says something that you agree with, although you would not have actually said it yourself because it is not polite:
‘I was always stubborn as a kid.’ ‘You said it!’
b. especially American English used to say that you agree with someone:
‘Let’s go home.’ ‘You said it! I’m tired.’
21. who says? used to say that you do not agree with a statement, opinion etc:
Who says museum work doesn’t pay?
22. who can say? (also who’s to say?) used to say that nobody can know something:
Who can say what will happen between now and then?
Many women believe that skin cream makes their skin look younger, and who’s to say that they’re wrong?
23. you don’t say! used to show you are surprised by what someone has told you – also often used when you are not at all surprised by what someone has told you
24. say when used to ask someone to tell you when to stop pouring them a drink or serving them food because they have got enough
25. say cheese used to tell people to smile when you are taking their photograph
26. (just) say the word used to tell someone that they have only to ask and you will do what they want:
Anywhere you want to go, just say the word.
27. I’ll say this/that (much) for somebody used when you want to mention something good about someone, especially when you have been criticizing them:
I will say this for Tom – at least he’s consistent.
You’ve got determination – I’ll say that for you.
28. say what you like especially British English used when giving an opinion that you are sure is correct, even if the person you are talking to might disagree with you:
Say what you like about him, he’s a very good writer.
29. anything/whatever you say used to tell someone that you agree to do what they want, accept their opinion etc, especially because you do not want an argument
30. can’t say fairer than that British English used to say that you have made the best offer that you can:
If I win, I’ll buy you a drink. Can’t say fairer than that.
31. I wouldn’t say no (to something) used to say that you would like something:
I wouldn’t say no to a coffee.
32. I’ll say! used to say yes to a question, in a strong way:
‘Was there a big argument?’ ‘I’ll say!’
33. let’s just say used when you do not want to give a lot of details about something:
Let’s just say she wasn’t very pleased about it.
34. shall I/we say used when you are not quite sure how to describe someone or something:
He is, shall we say, slightly unusual.
35. what have you got to say for yourself? used to ask someone for an explanation when they have done something wrong
36. say what? informal especially American English used when you did not hear what someone said or when you cannot believe that something is true
37. I say British English old-fashioned
a. used to get someone’s attention:
I say, don’t I know you?
b. used before giving your reaction to something:
‘My husband’s broken his leg.’ ‘I say! I’m sorry to hear that.’
38. say something to sb’s face informal to criticize someone or say something unpleasant directly to them instead of saying it to someone else:
I knew they wanted me to leave, even though they wouldn’t say it to my face.
39. that’s not saying much used to say that it is not surprising that someone or something is better than another person or thing because the other person or thing is so bad:
This version is better than the original, but that’s not saying much.
40. to say the least used to say that you could have described something, criticized someone etc a lot more severely than you have:
Jane could have been more considerate, to say the least.
41. that is to say used before giving more details or being more exact about something:
They, that’s to say Matt and John, were arguing about what to do.
42. that is not to say used to make sure the person you are talking to does not think something that is not true:
I’m quite happy in my job but that’s not to say I’m going to do it for the rest of my life.
43. not to say especially British English used when adding a stronger description of something:
The information is inadequate, not to say misleading.
44. a lot/something/not much etc to be said for (doing) something used to say that there are a lot of or not many advantages to something:
There’s a lot to be said for taking a few days off now and then.
It was a town with very little to be said for it.
45. to say nothing of something used to mention another thing involved in what you have just been talking about:
It wasn’t much for three years’ work, to say nothing of the money it had cost.
46. have something to say about something to be angry about something:
Her father would have something to say about it.
47. have a lot to say for yourself to talk a lot
48. not have much to say for yourself to not talk very much
49. what somebody says goes used to emphasize who is in control in a situation:
My wife wants to go to Italy this year, and what she says goes!
50. say your piece to give your opinion about something, especially something you do not like
⇨ wouldn’t say boo to a goose at boo2(3), ⇨ easier said than done at easy2(4), ⇨ enough said at enough2(6), ⇨ it goes without saying at go without(2), ⇨ needless to say at needless(1), ⇨ no sooner said than done at soon(9), ⇨ not say/breathe a word at word1(9), ⇨ well said at well1(13), ⇨ when all’s said and done at all1(17)
■ things that you say
▪say hello/goodbye I came to say goodbye.
▪say thank you I just wanted to say thank you for being there.
▪say sorry/say that you're sorry It was probably too late to say sorry.
▪say yes/no Some parents are unable to say no to their children.
▪say something/anything/nothing I was about to say something to him when he looked up and smiled.
▪say some words She stopped abruptly, suddenly afraid to say the words aloud.
■ adverbs
▪say so If you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to say so.
■ phrases
▪a terrible/stupid/odd etc thing to say I know it’s a terrible thing to say, but I wish he’d just go away.
▪have something/anything/nothing to say He usually has something to say about just about everything.
■ to say something
▪say to tell someone something, using words: ‘I really ought to go,’ she said. | Lauren said she’d probably be late.
▪state to say something, especially in a definite or formal way – used in official contexts: The witness stated that he had never seen the woman before. | Please state your name and address.
▪announce to publicly tell people about something: The chairman announced his resignation. | The results will be announced tomorrow. | We will announce the winners next Sunday. | They were announcing the train times over the loudspeaker system.
▪declare to say something very firmly: ‘My personal life is none of your business,’ she declared.
▪mention to talk about someone or something, especially without giving many details: Did Tom mention anything about what happened at school? | Your name was mentioned!
▪express to let someone know your feelings by putting them into words: Young children often find it difficult to express their emotions.
▪comment to say what your opinion is about someone or something: The prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis.
▪note/remark formal to say that you have noticed that something is true – used especially in formal writing: We have already noted that most old people live alone. | Someone once remarked that the problem with computers is that they only give you answers.
▪add to say something more, after what has already been said: He added that he thought it could be done fairly cheaply.
▪point out to mention something that seems particularly important or relevant: Dr Graham points out that most children show some signs of abnormal behaviour. | It’s worth pointing out that few people actually die of this disease.
▪air to talk about your opinions, worries, or the things you disagree about: air your views/grievances/differences : The programme will give listeners the chance to air their views about immigration. | Workers were able to air their grievances.
▪voice to talk publicly about your feelings or about whether you approve or disapprove of something formal: voice concern/support/doubt/fears etc : The president has already voiced his support for the proposal. | She voiced concern for the safety of the hostages.
■ different ways of saying something
▪whisper to say something very quietly, using your breath rather than your full voice: ‘Don’t wake the baby,’ Jenny whispered.
▪mumble to say something quietly without pronouncing the words clearly: He mumbled his thanks.
▪mutter to say something quietly, especially when you are annoyed but do not want someone to hear you complaining: ‘This is ridiculous,’ he muttered under his breath. | She muttered something about having to go home early.
▪murmur to say something in a soft slow gentle voice: She stroked his hair and murmured, ‘Don’t worry. You’ll be all right.’
▪growl to say something in a low angry voice: ‘As I was saying,’ Lewis growled, ‘it needs to be finished today.’
▪snarl to say something in a nasty angry way: ‘Get out of my way!’ he snarled.
▪exclaim to say something suddenly and loudly: ‘How beautiful!’ she exclaimed.
▪blurt out to suddenly say something without thinking, especially something embarrassing or secret: It was partly nervousness that had made him blurt out the question.
▪stammer/stutter to speak with a lot of pauses and repeated sounds, because you have a speech problem, or because you are nervous or excited: ‘I’ll, I’ll only be a m-moment,’ he stammered.
say2 noun [singular, uncountable]
1. the right to take part in deciding something
have some/no/little say in something
The workers had no say in how the factory was run.
The chairman has the final say (=has the right to make the final decision about something).
2. have your say to have the opportunity to give your opinion about something:
You’ll get a chance to have your say.
have your say in/on
Parents can have their say in the decision-making process.
say3 interjection American English informal
used to express surprise, or to get someone’s attention so that you can tell them something:
Say, haven’t I seen you before somewhere?
| I |
verb (past tense and past participle said /sed/, third person singular says /sez/) Language: Old English
Origin: secgan
1. EXPRESS SOMETHING IN WORDS [intransitive only in negatives, transitive] to express an idea, feeling, thought etc using words:Origin: secgan
say (that)
say how/why/who etc
say something to somebody
a terrible/silly/strange etc thing to say
say hello/goodbye/thank you etc (=say something to greet someone, thank someone etc)
say you’re sorry (=apologize)
say yes/no (to something) (=agree or refuse)
say nothing/anything/something (about something)
have anything/nothing/something to say
say to do something (=tell someone to do something)
GRAMMAR
You cannot 'say someone something' or 'say someone to do something'. Use tell:
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You can say something about something but you cannot 'say about something'. Use talk:
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REGISTER
In written English, people often avoid using say when referring to opinions or ideas expressed by another writer. Instead, they prefer to use a more formal verb such as argue, assert, claim, or maintain.
2. GIVE INFORMATION [transitive not in passive] to give information in the form of written words, numbers, or pictures – used about signs, clocks, letters, messages etc:
say (that)
say to do something (=give information about what you should do)
say who/what/how etc
3. MEAN [transitive usually in progressive] used to talk about what someone means:
be saying (that)
4. THINK THAT SOMETHING IS TRUE [transitive]
used to talk about something that people think is true
they say/people say/ it is said (that)
somebody is said to be something/do something
5. SHOW/BE A SIGN OF SOMETHING [transitive]
a. to show clearly that something is true about someone or something’s character:
b. to show what someone is really feeling or thinking, especially without using words:
something says everything/says it all
6. SPEAK THE WORDS OF SOMETHING [transitive] to speak the words that are written in a play, poem, or prayer:
7. PRONOUNCE [transitive] to pronounce a word or sound:
8. SUGGEST/SUPPOSE SOMETHING [transitive usually in imperative] used when suggesting or supposing that something might happen or be true
... say ...
let’s say (that)/just say (that)
9. say to yourself to try to persuade yourself that something is true or not true:
SPOKEN PHRASES
10. I must say (also I have to say) used to emphasize what you are saying:
11. I can’t say (that) used to say that you do not think or feel something:
12. I would say used for giving your opinion even though other people may not agree:
13. I couldn’t say used when you do not know the answer to something:
14. if I may say so (also if I might say so) formal used to be polite when saying something that may embarrass or offend the person you are talking to:
15. having said that used to say that something is true in spite of what you have just said:
16. wouldn’t you say? used to ask someone whether they agree with the statement you have just made:
17. what do you say? used to ask someone if they agree with a suggestion:
18. say no more used to say that you understand what someone means, although they have not said it directly:
19. you can say that again! used to say that you completely agree with someone:
20. you said it!
a. used when someone says something that you agree with, although you would not have actually said it yourself because it is not polite:
b. especially American English used to say that you agree with someone:
21. who says? used to say that you do not agree with a statement, opinion etc:
22. who can say? (also who’s to say?) used to say that nobody can know something:
23. you don’t say! used to show you are surprised by what someone has told you – also often used when you are not at all surprised by what someone has told you
24. say when used to ask someone to tell you when to stop pouring them a drink or serving them food because they have got enough
25. say cheese used to tell people to smile when you are taking their photograph
26. (just) say the word used to tell someone that they have only to ask and you will do what they want:
27. I’ll say this/that (much) for somebody used when you want to mention something good about someone, especially when you have been criticizing them:
28. say what you like especially British English used when giving an opinion that you are sure is correct, even if the person you are talking to might disagree with you:
29. anything/whatever you say used to tell someone that you agree to do what they want, accept their opinion etc, especially because you do not want an argument
30. can’t say fairer than that British English used to say that you have made the best offer that you can:
31. I wouldn’t say no (to something) used to say that you would like something:
32. I’ll say! used to say yes to a question, in a strong way:
33. let’s just say used when you do not want to give a lot of details about something:
34. shall I/we say used when you are not quite sure how to describe someone or something:
35. what have you got to say for yourself? used to ask someone for an explanation when they have done something wrong
36. say what? informal especially American English used when you did not hear what someone said or when you cannot believe that something is true
37. I say British English old-fashioned
a. used to get someone’s attention:
b. used before giving your reaction to something:
38. say something to sb’s face informal to criticize someone or say something unpleasant directly to them instead of saying it to someone else:
39. that’s not saying much used to say that it is not surprising that someone or something is better than another person or thing because the other person or thing is so bad:
40. to say the least used to say that you could have described something, criticized someone etc a lot more severely than you have:
41. that is to say used before giving more details or being more exact about something:
42. that is not to say used to make sure the person you are talking to does not think something that is not true:
43. not to say especially British English used when adding a stronger description of something:
44. a lot/something/not much etc to be said for (doing) something used to say that there are a lot of or not many advantages to something:
45. to say nothing of something used to mention another thing involved in what you have just been talking about:
46. have something to say about something to be angry about something:
47. have a lot to say for yourself to talk a lot
48. not have much to say for yourself to not talk very much
49. what somebody says goes used to emphasize who is in control in a situation:
50. say your piece to give your opinion about something, especially something you do not like
⇨ wouldn’t say boo to a goose at boo2(3), ⇨ easier said than done at easy2(4), ⇨ enough said at enough2(6), ⇨ it goes without saying at go without(2), ⇨ needless to say at needless(1), ⇨ no sooner said than done at soon(9), ⇨ not say/breathe a word at word1(9), ⇨ well said at well1(13), ⇨ when all’s said and done at all1(17)
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| II |
noun [singular, uncountable]1. the right to take part in deciding something
have some/no/little say in something
2. have your say to have the opportunity to give your opinion about something:
have your say in/on
| III |
interjection American English informalused to express surprise, or to get someone’s attention so that you can tell them something:
◆ 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。 ◆ 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？ ◆ 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。 ◆ 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。 ◆ 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。 ◆ Let's save that conversation for another time. 那事我们下次再谈吧。
Say never has a person as the object. Yousay something orsay 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 withwhat ,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 不能说 ：◆ The doctor said me to stay in bed.
often
often
especially in