Understanding the Basics: Falar vs. Dizer
What Does “Falar” Mean?
“Falar” is the Portuguese verb for “to speak” or “to talk.” It generally refers to the act of speaking or talking, often focusing on the process of verbal communication itself. You use “falar” when you want to indicate that someone is engaging in speech, regardless of the specific words or content.
What Does “Dizer” Mean?
“Dizer,” on the other hand, translates to “to say” or “to tell.” This verb is used when referring to the specific words or message being communicated. “Dizer” focuses on the content of what is being communicated, rather than the act of speaking itself.
Key Differences Between Falar and Dizer
1. Focus of the Verb
Falar emphasizes the act of speaking or holding a conversation. For example:
- Eu falo português. (I speak Portuguese.)
- Ela gosta de falar com os amigos. (She likes to talk with friends.)
Dizer highlights the information or words being said. For example:
- Ele disse que vai chegar tarde. (He said he will arrive late.)
- O que você disse? (What did you say?)
2. Typical Sentence Structures
When using falar, it is common to see it followed by a language, a person (with the preposition “com”), or a topic (with the preposition “sobre”):
- Falar inglês (to speak English)
- Falar com Maria (to speak with Maria)
- Falar sobre política (to talk about politics)
With dizer, the verb is usually followed by the exact words, a statement, or introduced by “que” (that):
- Dizer a verdade (to tell the truth)
- Dizer que está cansado (to say that he/she is tired)
3. Direct and Indirect Speech
Dizer is more commonly used for quoting or reporting speech:
- Ela disse: “Estou com fome”. (She said: “I am hungry.”)
Falar can be used to describe a conversation, but not typically to quote exact words:
- Conversamos e ela falou sobre seus planos. (We talked and she spoke about her plans.)
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One of the most common mistakes for Portuguese learners is using “falar” and “dizer” interchangeably. Remember, if you want to express who you are talking to or the act of speaking in general, use “falar.” If you’re specifying what was said, use “dizer.” Practice with examples and exercises, such as those offered on Talkpal, can help reinforce these distinctions.
Quick Reference Table
| Verb | Meaning | Usage Example |
|---|---|---|
| Falar | To speak/to talk (emphasizes the act of speaking) | Vou falar com ele amanhã. (I will talk to him tomorrow.) |
| Dizer | To say/to tell (emphasizes the content) | Ela disse que vai viajar. (She said she is going to travel.) |
Tips to Master “Falar” and “Dizer”
- Pay attention to the context and what you want to emphasize: the act or the content.
- Practice with real-life scenarios, such as conversations and storytelling.
- Use language learning platforms like Talkpal for interactive practice and instant feedback.
- Read and listen to authentic Portuguese materials to observe how native speakers use both verbs.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between “falar” and “dizer” is essential for effective and accurate communication in Portuguese. “Falar” is all about the act of speaking, while “dizer” is about what is actually said. By practicing these distinctions and immersing yourself in the language with tools like Talkpal, you’ll gain confidence and clarity in your Portuguese conversations. Keep practicing, and soon, choosing between “falar” and “dizer” will become second nature!
