Say or Tell: What's the Difference?

Table of Contents

Pop quiz! What's the difference between the following questions?

Can you tell me your name?
Can you say your name for me?

Why does one sentence use "tell" and the other "say"?

Read on to learn what makes these two words unique and how to use them both like a native speaker!

Focus: Words or Information?

Even though they seem similar, "say" and "tell" actually mean different things.

"Say" focuses on the words people use to express themselves. Look at the following examples:

How do you say this word in English?
People often say "cheese" when they smile for pictures.
Could you say that again, please?

The first sentence asks for a word, the second talks about a word, and the third asks someone to repeat words. Because the focus of all these examples is on words, we can only use "say."

"Tell" focuses on the information people give each other when they speak. That's why we use "tell" to ask for directions. Asking someone "Could you say how to get to Big Ben?" would sound unnatural; instead, we say, "Could you tell me how to get to Big Ben?"

Here are more examples focusing on information that can only use "tell."

He told me his phone number, and I wrote it down.
Tell us why you're interested in this job.
Please tell me how I can improve my English.

In many cases, "say" and "tell" are interchangeable. For example, both of these sentences sound natural:

My tutor said that I speak English well.
My tutor told me that I speak English well.

They just mean slightly different things. The "say" version sounds like you're repeating your tutor's words, while the "tell" version focuses more on the information your tutor gave you.

“Say something” vs. “Tell someone something”

Another important difference between these words is that sentences with "tell" must include who the listener is (or was).

For example, here are some sentences that use "tell." Notice how they all mention the listener.

She told the man her name.
Mary tells her mom she loves her every day.
My manager told me that I need to improve my English to get promoted.

Sentences with "say" can mention the listener too, but it isn't necessary. So if mentioning the listener doesn't make sense, just use "say."

The news said that it's going to rain today.
A wise person once said, "Be the change you want to see."

“Tell someone” vs. “Say to someone”

A man apologizing to a woman, who is covering her face with her hands

When you use "say," remember that you need to use the preposition of direction "to" if you want to mention the listener.

Tammy said "Hi" to Meg.
My manager said to me, "You need to improve your English to get a promotion."

On the other hand, we don't use "to" when we use "tell."

Raj told Tammy he was sorry.
Did I tell you what happened?

In Reported Speech

"Say" can be used in both direct and indirect reported speech, while "tell" is normally only used in indirect reported speech.

Direct Reported Speech	Indirect Reported Speech
Raj said "I'm sorry" to Tammy.	Raj said that he's sorry. Raj told Tammy that he's sorry.
Mary said "I love you" to her mom.	Mary said that she loves her mom. Mary told her mom that she loves her.
Jim said, "I'll be late."	Jim said he would be late. Jim told me he would be late.

Note that the examples in the Direct Reported Speech column would sound a bit unnatural in everyday conversations. Direct reported speech like this is more common in novels and other writing.

Remember that the basic meaning of "say" is "express thoughts in words," while the basic meaning of "tell" is "inform." As a result, English speakers are more likely to use "say" to repeat someone's exact words and "tell" to paraphrase a message.

Additional Meanings

Finally, "say" and "tell" have other meanings besides what we've discussed above. Let's have a look at them.

“Say” can mean "think"

Only "say" can be used in sentences like these:

My dad thinks I should find a new job. What do you say?
I'd say there are about 500 people in this room.

So if someone asks, "What does Sally say about the new restaurant?" they're really asking you what Sally thinks about the restaurant.

“Tell” can mean "order" or "instruct"

A serious woman gesturing for someone to go away

In some situations, "telling" someone something means giving them an order. When used this way, "tell" is usually followed by a verb in the infinitive ("to") form.

Tell Jim to go away.
The English teacher told his students to repeat after him.

Notice how "tell" in these sentences doesn't mean "inform." For example, the first sentence isn't informing Jim of a fact — it's asking him to leave!

“Tell” is also used for stories (and more)

English speakers say "tell a story" and not "say a story." The same is true for phrases like "tell a joke," "tell the truth" and "tell a secret."

Grandpa used to tell us stories every time we visited.
I have some good news to tell you: I got a new job!

Be careful when using "tell" this way because it's grammatically different from the other senses of "tell." The listener can be omitted and the preposition "to" is sometimes used.

I told my sister a joke, but she didn't laugh. I need to get better at telling jokes. [There is no listener in the second sentence.]
Amy told Ben all her secrets. Ben told her secrets to everyone else in class. ["To" is used in the second sentence.]

Quiz Answers

Did you figure out the difference between these two sentences?

Can you tell me your name?
Can you say your name for me?

English speakers would say, "Can you tell me your name?" when they don't know someone's name and need to be informed of it. On the other hand, they would say, "Can you say your name for me?" when they already know the name but want to hear it pronounced.

If you'd like more practice with "say" and "tell," or with speaking skills in general, book an online English lesson with an Engoo tutor! We've helped thousands of students reach their English learning goals and we'd like to help you too. Learn more about us here.