say
verb
noun
seɪ verb
1
EXPRESS STH IN WORDS
用言语表达某事物
to express an idea, feeling, thought etc using words 〔用言语〕表达〔观念、感情、思想等〕 I only in negatives 仅用于否定句, T
‘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.
他说的任何事情都不要相信。
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 sth to sb
What did you say to her?
你对她说了什么？
a terrible/silly/strange etc thing to say
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 sth) (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？噢，请你同意吧！
say nothing/anything/something (about sth)
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.
我真希望当时关于乔迪什么意见也没发表。
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
say to do sth (tell someone to do something) 吩咐[指示]做某事
Nina said to meet her at 4.30.
尼娜吩咐 4 点 30 分去接她。
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。”
2
GIVE INFORMATION
表达信息
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，说明〔信息〕 T not in passive 不用被动态
The sign said ‘Back in 10 minutes’.
牌子上说“10 分钟后回来”。
The clock said twenty past three.
这钟显示时间为3 点 20 分。
say (that)
He received a letter saying that the appointment had been cancelled.
他收到一封信，说任命取消了。
say to do sth (gives information about what you should do) 指示说要做某事
The label says to take one tablet before meals.
标签上说要在饭前服一片。
say who/what/how etc
The card doesn’t even say who sent the flowers.
卡片上甚至没说是谁送的花。
It says here they have live music.
这里说他们有现场演奏的音乐。
3
MEAN
表示
used to talk about what someone means 表示，表达〔意思〕 T usually in progressive 一般用进行式
What do you think the writer is trying to say in this passage?
你认为作者在这一段要表达什么意思？
So what you’re saying is, there’s none left.
那么你的意思是说，什么都没剩下。
be saying (that)
Are you saying I’m fat?
你的意思是说我胖吗？
I’m not saying it’s a bad idea.
我没说这主意不好。
All I’m saying is that it might be better to wait a while.
我只是说最好等一等。
4
THINK THAT STH IS TRUE
认为某事是真实的
used to talk about something that people think is true 多数人认为，据说 T
they say/people say/it is said (that)
They say that she has been all over the world.
他们说她到过世界各地。
It is said that he was a spy during the war.
据说他在战争期间是个间谍。
sb is said to be sth/do sth
He’s said to be the richest man in the world.
据说他是世界上最富有的男人。
Well, you know what they say – blood’s thicker than water.
哎，你知道都是这么说的 — 血浓于水。
The rest, as they say , is history.
接下来的，就如他们所说，都是尽人皆知的故事了。
5
SHOW/BE A SIGN OF STH
表明有/是某物的迹象
a. to show clearly that something is true about someone or something’s character b. to show what someone really is feeling or thinking, especially without using words 〔尤指不用话语〕显示，表明〔真实的感觉或想法〕 T
The kind of car you drive says what kind of person you are.
你开什么样的车说明你是什么类型的人。
The fact that she never apologized says a lot about (=shows something very clearly) what kind of person she is.
她一直没有道歉，这足以说明她是什么样的人。
It said a lot for the manager that the team remained confident despite losing (=it showed that he is good) .
球队虽败自信犹在，这清楚地说明了主教练的厉害。
These results don’t say much for the quality of teaching (=they show that it is not very good) .
这些考试成绩说明教学质量不高。
The look on her face said ‘I love you’.
她脸上的表情写着“我爱你”。
sth says everything/says it all
His expression said it all.
他的表情说明了一切。
6
SPEAK THE WORDS OF STH
说出词语
to speak the words that are written in a play, poem, or prayer 念，朗诵 T
Can you say that line again, this time with more feeling?
你能把那句台词再说一遍吗？这次多带些感情。
I’ll say a prayer for you.
我来为你祈祷。
7
PRONOUNCE
发音，读
to pronounce a word or sound 发音，读 T
How do you say your last name?
你的姓是怎么发音的？
8
SUGGEST/SUPPOSE STH
认为/假定某事
used when suggesting or supposing that something might happen or be true 认为; 假定，比方说 T usually in imperative 一般用于祈使句
… say …
If we put out, say, twenty chairs, would that be enough?
如果我们搬出去，比方说二十把椅子，够不够？
let’s say (that) /just say (that)
Let’s say your plan fails, then what?
假设说你的计划失败，那怎么办？
Just say you won the lottery – what would you do?
假定你中了彩票 — 你打算做什么？
9
say to yourself
to try to persuade yourself that something is true or not true 自忖，对自己说
I kept saying to myself that this wasn’t really happening.
我不断地对自己说这不是真的在发生。
10
I must say I have to say
10. also 又作 used to emphasize what you are saying 我得说〔用以表示强调〕
The cake does look good, I must say.
我得说，这蛋糕看上去真的很不错。
I have to say I was impressed.
我得说我印象很深刻。
11
I can’t say (that)
11. used to say that you do not think or feel something 我可不认为（…）
I can’t say I envy her being married to him!
我可不会羡慕她嫁给他！
12
I would say
12. used for giving your opinion even though other people may not agree 我倒是要说〔尽管别人可能不同意〕
I’d say he was jealous.
我倒是要说他是在嫉妒。
13
I couldn’t say
13. used when you do not know the answer to something 我说不准
I couldn’t say who will win.
我说不准谁会赢。
14
if I may say so if I might say so
14. also 又作 used to be polite when saying something that may embarrass or offend the person you are talking to 恕我直言 formal
That’s just the point, Mr Glover, if I may say so.
恕我直言，格洛弗先生，那正是问题的关键。
15
having said that
15. used to say that something is true in spite of what you have just said 尽管如此，话虽如此
The diet can make you slim without exercise. Having said that, however, exercise is important too.
这份食谱可以让你不用锻炼身材就能变苗条，但话虽如此，锻炼还是很重要的。
16
wouldn’t you say?
16. used to ask someone whether they agree with the statement you have just made 你说是不是？
It seems very unlikely, wouldn’t you say?
这好像绝无可能，你说对不对？
17
what do you say?
17. used to ask someone if they agree with a suggestion 你觉得怎样？ 你看行吗？〔用以询问某人是否同意所提的建议〕
We could go into partnership – what do you say?
我们可以结成合作关系，你觉得怎样？
What do you say we all go to a movie?
我们大家一起去看电影，你看怎么样？
What would you say to a meal out?
我们出去吃饭，你说好吗？
18
say no more
18. used to say that you understand what someone means, although they have not said it directly 别说了，不用再说了〔用以表示明白了某人的意思〕
‘I saw him leaving her house at 6.30 this morning.’ ‘Say no more!’
“我看到他今天早晨 6 点 30 分从她家出来。”“不用说了！”
19
you can say that again!
19. used to say that you completely agree with someone 你说得真对！〔用以表示完全同意某人的意见〕
‘It’s cold in here.’ ‘You can say that again!’
“这里很冷。”“说得没错！”
20
you said it!
20. 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. used to say that you agree with someone 没错，说得对 especially AmE
‘I was always stubborn as a kid.’ ‘You said it!’
“我小时候总是很固执。”“这可是你说的！”
‘Let’s go home.’ ‘You said it! I’m tired.’
“我们回家吧。”“同意！ 我也累了。”
21
who says?
21. used to say that you do not agree with a statement, opinion etc 谁说的？〔用以表示不同意别人的说法〕
Who says museum work doesn’t pay?
谁说博物馆的工作不值得干？
22
who can say? who’s to say
22. also 又作 used to say that nobody can know something 谁能说得准？〔用以表示没有人知道问题的答案〕
Who can say what will happen between now and then?
谁能说得准这段时间里会发生什么？
Many women believe that skin cream makes their skin look younger, and who’s to say that they’re wrong?
许多女性相信护肤霜会使她们的肌肤显得年轻，谁知道她们是不是错了呢？
23
you don’t say!
23. 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 不会吧！不至于吧！〔用以对某人所说的事表示惊讶，也经常表示一点也不觉得惊讶〕
24
say when
24. used to ask someone to tell you when to stop pouring them a drink or serving them food because they have got enough 够了请说一声〔用于给某人饮料或食物时〕
25
say cheese
25. used to tell people to smile when you are taking their photograph 笑一笑〔给别人拍照时说〕
26
(just) say the word
26. used to tell someone that they have only to ask and you will do what they want 只要你说一声〔用以表示愿意做某人要求的事〕
Anywhere you want to go, just say the word.
想去任何地方，你只要说一声。
27
I’ll say this/that (much) for sb
27. used when you want to mention something good about someone, especially when you have been criticizing them 我也要为某人说句公道话〔尤用在批评过某人之后〕
I will say this for Tom – at least he’s consistent.
我也要为汤姆说句公道话 — 他至少能始终如一。
You’ve got determination – I’ll say that for you.
你很有决心 — 我也得为你说句公道话。
28
say what you like
28. used when giving an opinion that you are sure is correct, even if the person you are talking to might disagree with you [尤英] 即使你不同意，不管你怎么认为〔用以强调自己的看法没错〕 especially BrE
Say what you like about him, he’s a very good writer.
不管你怎么看，他就是个非常优秀的作家。
29
anything/whatever you say
29. used to tell someone that you agree to do what they want, accept their opinion etc, especially because you do not want an argument 随便你，由你吧〔尤因不想引起争论〕
30
can’t say fairer than that
30. used to say that you have made the best offer that you can [英] 再公道不过了，不能给更优厚的条件了 BrE
If I win, I’ll buy you a drink. Can’t say fairer than that.
如果我赢了就请你喝杯酒，这样再公道不过了。
31
I wouldn’t say no (to sth)
31. used to say that you would like something 我想要（某物）
I wouldn’t say no to coffee.
我不反对来点咖啡。
32
I’ll say!
32. used to say yes to a question, in a strong way 是呀！对啊！
‘Was there a big argument?’ ‘I’ll say!’
“吵得很厉害吗？”“就是啊！”
33
let’s just say
33. used when you do not want to give a lot of details about something 这么说吧，大致说来〔用于不想说具体细节时〕
Let’s just say she wasn’t very pleased about it.
这么说吧，她对此不大高兴。
34
shall I/we say
34. used when you are not quite sure how to describe someone or something 怎么说呢
He is, shall we say, slightly unusual.
他这人，怎么说呢，有点怪怪的。
35
what have you got to say for yourself?
35. used to ask someone for an explanation when they have done something wrong 你还有什么可说的？〔用于要求做错事的人作出解释〕
36
say what?
36. used when you did not hear what someone said or when you cannot believe that something is true [非正式，尤美] 你说什么？〔用于没听清别人的话或不敢相信某事属实时〕 informal especially AmE
37
I say
37. a. used to get someone’s attention b. used before giving your reaction to something 啊，唷 BrE old-fashioned
I say, don’t I know you?
喂，我是不是认识你呀？
‘My husband’s broken his leg.’ ‘I say! I’m sorry to hear that.’
“我丈夫腿骨折了。”“唷！听到这事我很难过。”
38
say sth to sb’s face
38. to criticize someone or say something unpleasant directly to them instead of saying it to someone else [非正式] 当着某人的面直说 （直接批评 ） informal
I knew they wanted me to leave even though they wouldn’t say it to my face.
即使他们当面不说，我也知道他们想要我走。
39
that’s not saying much
39. 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 没什么奇怪的，没什么不寻常的〔用来表示另一人或物太糟糕〕
This version is better than the original but that’s not saying much.
这个版本比原版好，不过这也没什么可奇怪的。
40
sth says it all
40. if something says it all, it clearly shows how someone feels or what a situation is really like 某事物说明了一切
Her smile said it all.
她的笑容说明了一切。
41
to say the least
41. used 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
Jane could have been more considerate, to say the least.
说得客气点，简本可以考虑得更周到一些。
42
that is to say
42. used before giving more details or being more exact about something 那就是说; 换句话说; 更具体地说
They, that’s to say Matt and John, were arguing about what to do.
他们，也就是马特和约翰，在争论该怎么办。
43
that is not to say
43. used 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
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.
我对自己的工作很满意，但这并不是说我就准备干它一辈子。
44
not to say
44. used when adding a stronger description of something [尤英] 更不用说，甚至可以说 especially BrE
The information is inadequate, not to say misleading.
这信息不充分，更不用说还会误导。
45
nothing/something/not much etc to be said for (doing) sth
45. used to say that there are a lot of or not many advantages to something （做）某事没有/有些/没有多少好处等
There’s a lot to be said for taking a few days off now and then.
偶尔休几天假大有好处。
It was a town with very little to be said for it.
那是个没什么可值得一提的小镇。
46
to say nothing of sth
46. used to mention another thing involved in what you have just been talking about 更不用说; 何况
It wasn’t much for three years’ work, to say nothing of the money it had cost.
三年的工作没有干出什么来，更不用说为此花掉的钱了。
47
have something to say about sth
47. to be angry about something 为某事不高兴，对某事生气
Her father would have something to say about it.
这事她父亲会不高兴的。
48
have a lot to say for yourself
48. to talk a lot 有许多话要说，有一肚子话要说
49
not have much to say for yourself
49. to not talk very much 没多少话要说
50
what sb says goes
50. used to emphasize who is in control in a situation 某人说了算; 照某人说的办〔用于强调〕
My wife wants to go to Italy this year, and what she says goes!
我妻子想今年去意大利，她说了算！
51
say your piece
51. to give your opinion about something, especially something you do not like 说出心里话，说出意见〔尤指对不喜欢的事〕
52
say
You use when you are mentioning someone’s exact words. 提到某人的原话用 say
‘Hello,’ she said.
“你好。”她说。
Someone said, ‘Let’s go!’
有人说 “我们走吧！”
53
Say
can be followed by ‘that’. say 后面可以跟 that
He said that he was tired.
他说他累了。
54 In speech people often leave out ‘that’. 口语中一般略去 that
They said there had been a mistake.
他们说出了错。
55
Say
can be followed by ‘something’, ‘anything’, ‘nothing’, or ‘so’. say 后面可以跟 something，anything，nothing 或 so
Did you say something?
你说什么了吗？
Nobody dared to say anything.
没人敢说什么。
You have to come – Dad said so.
你一定得来 — 这是爸爸说的。
56 It can also be followed by ‘goodbye’ or ‘hello’. say 后面也可以跟 goodbye 或 hello
I’ll just go and say hello to David.
我去和戴维打个招呼。
57
say
Apart from these uses, is not normally followed by an object. For example, it cannot be followed by ‘a story’, ‘a lie’, ‘some information’, or ‘an answer’. 除了这些用法，say 后面一般不跟宾语，例如不可跟 a story，a lie，some information 或 an answer。
58
tell
You a story, a joke, a lie, or the truth. 讲故事、讲笑话、说谎或说出真相，动词要用 tell
They told a funny story about their trip.
他们讲了他们旅行中一个有趣的故事。
59
give
You information, an order, an instruction, or an answer. 提供信息、下命令、发指令或作出回答，动词要用 give
He gave no reply.
他没有回答。
60
ask
You do not say a question. You a question. 提问不用 say，而要用 ask
Can I ask a question?
我能提个问题吗？
61
say to
You can something someone. 可以说 say something to someone（对某人说某事）
Has he said something to you?
他对你说了什么吗？
62
tell
When talking about giving information, it is more usual to say that you someone something. 在说到提供信息时，更常用的是 tell someone something
Clare told us something interesting (NOT 不说 said us something …) .
克莱尔告诉了我们一些有趣的事。
Can anyone tell me what time it is? (NOT 不说 say to me what …)
谁能告诉我现在几点了？
63
tell about
You can someone something. 可以说 tell someone about something（告诉某人某事）
Did you tell Lucy about the party? (NOT 不说 say to Lucy about …)
你把派对的事告诉露西了吗？
64
say to do tell to do
You can something, but it is more usual to someone something. 可以说 say to do something，但更常用的是 tell someone to do something
The teacher told us to open our books (NOT 不说 said us/said to us to …) .
老师叫我们打开书本。
noun
65 the right to take part in deciding something 决定权; 发言权
have some/no/little say in sth
The workers had no say in how the factory was run.
工人在工厂管理方面没有发言权。
The chairman has the final say (=has the right to make the final decision about something) .
主席有最后决定权。
66
have your say
to have the opportunity to give your opinion about something 有发表意见的机会
You’ll get a chance to have your say.
你会有发表意见的机会。
[+ in/on ]
Parents can have their say in the decision-making process.
家长在决策过程中可以发表自己的意见。
67 used to express surprise, or to get someone’s attention so that you can tell them something [美，非正式] 哎，我说〔用于表示惊讶、引起别人注意以便告诉他们某事〕
Say, haven’t I seen you before somewhere?
哎，我以前是不是在哪里见过你啊？