What does say mean?
Say is a basic English verb with several related uses. Most commonly, it means to speak or express something in words: people say what they think, say hello, or say nothing. It can also mean to state information directly, report what someone has stated, or indicate something: “The sign says the road is closed.” In expressions such as “what do you say?” and “you don't say,” the verb refers to a spoken response or conversational reaction. The noun say is less common and usually appears in phrases such as “have something to say,” meaning an opinion, concern, or point worth expressing. Although say is simple and frequent, it is grammatically flexible: it can take quoted speech, indirect speech, an object, or a complement. Its usefulness lies in this ability to cover ordinary speech, firm statements, reported information, and brief written indications without requiring a more specialized verb.
To express information, an opinion, or a request in words; to state or report something.
"They said that the meeting would begin at noon."
Say is standard in formal and informal contexts and can introduce both direct and indirect speech.
The opportunity or authority to speak, especially in the expression 'have something to say.'
"The employees felt they had no say in the decision."
The noun is chiefly used in set phrases and is much less common as an ordinary standalone noun.
Usually used in the expression 'have something to say' or 'have no say'; the plural is uncommon in general use.
"Everyone should have a say in the final decision."
From Old English secgan to 'saga': one of English's most ordinary verbs has roots in the same Germanic tradition that gave us storytelling itself.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does say come from?
The word descends from Old English secgan, meaning “to utter, speak, or tell.” It belongs to the Germanic word family associated with speech and narration. Old Norse saga, a narrative or story, is a cognate, and English saw in the older sense of “a saying or proverb” reflects the same broad tradition.
Related word forms
How say is actually used
Say is extremely common in both formal and informal English. The expression 'you say' can introduce an example, while 'I think' or 'it seems' may express a less direct opinion; 'say' is also used in reporting speech, as in 'She says she will call later.'
Easily confused with say
Say expresses what someone states, while seem describes an impression or appearance that may not be certain.
Say is a verb meaning to speak or express something, whereas sake refers to a reason or purpose, usually in the phrase 'for the sake of'.