What is the difference between "tell" and "say"?

Question

What is the difference in meaning between tell and say? -Carlos, El Salvador

Answer

Meanings of Tell and Say

The meanings of these two verbs, tell and say, are similar. The main meaning of tell is to "say or write something to someone." The main meaning of say is to "use your voice to express something in words." However, there are some clear and easy rules to follow about when to use these two words, as shown below.

Usage rules for Tell and Say

Tell is used only to instruct or inform, and when the receiver of the information is included as an object of the verb. Do not use for quotes.

• Has she told you the good news, yet?
• Please tell us your name and occupation.
• The police officer told him to stop. [NOT The police officer told him, "Stop."]
• Can you tell me what happened?

Say is used for exact quotes, and when the receiver isn’t mentioned in the sentence:

• “Good morning,” said the woman behind the counter.
• I just stopped by to say hello.
• I said three words before he interrupted me again.

Say is also used to express opinions:

• I wouldn't say that he's a great guitarist [=I don't think he's a great guitarist].
• They say that you should drink eight glasses of water a day.

There are other uses of both of these verbs. For more information about say and tell, follow the links below.

More about “tell” and “say”:

• tell
• say
• Using “say” in reported speech