Falar vs. Dizer: How to Say “Speak,” “Say,” and “Tell” in Portuguese
Learn a practical distinction between talking or speaking and saying specific words or information.
Real Life Portuguese · 8 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Falar commonly means to speak or talk. Use it for languages—falo português (I speak Portuguese)—and for the activity or topic of conversation: falar com alguém (talk to someone) and falar sobre um assunto (talk about a subject). The phrase often focuses on speaking as an activity.
Use falar for speaking a language or having a conversation
In everyday Brazilian speech, falar can also introduce what someone said, so the distinction is not absolute. Start with this useful pattern, then notice how native speakers use both verbs in context.
Ela fala três idiomas.
She speaks three languages.
Posso falar com você depois da aula?
Can I talk to you after class?
A gente falou sobre música brasileira.
We talked about Brazilian music.
Use dizer for specific words, information, or a message
Dizer commonly means to say or tell specific information. Use it with the words or content someone gives: dizer a verdade (tell the truth), dizer o nome (say the name), or dizer que… (say that…). Its irregular forms include eu digo and você diz, which are worth learning early.
When you report someone’s words, dizer often introduces a quotation or idea. The focus is what was communicated, rather than the general activity of speaking. Use a person or listener after the verb when needed to show who receives the information.
Ele disse que vai chegar mais tarde.
He said that he’ll arrive later.
Pode dizer seu nome, por favor?
Could you tell me your name, please?
Ela me disse a verdade.
She told me the truth.
Compare the verbs in one situation
Imagine asking a friend about a conversation. Você falou com a Ana? asks whether the person talked with Ana. O que a Ana disse? asks what Ana said. The first question is about the conversation; the second asks for the content. This contrast makes the verbs easier to retrieve.
English uses “tell” with a listener and “say” with words in some patterns, while Portuguese has its own constructions. Learn common phrases as chunks: falar com, falar sobre, dizer que, dizer a verdade. You will become more accurate without trying to map each English verb one-to-one.
Você falou com o gerente? O que ele disse?
Did you speak with the manager? What did he say?
Quero falar sobre a viagem.
I want to talk about the trip.
Diga a ela que estou esperando.
Tell her that I’m waiting.
Practice with a short conversation report
After a conversation, say who you spoke with, what you discussed, and one thing the person said. Use falar for the conversation and topic, then dizer for the information. Change the names and subjects so you can repeat the pattern with work, family, and travel situations.
For more verbs that English learners often translate too broadly, review Real Life Portuguese lessons on pedir vs. perguntar and saber vs. conhecer. I Speak Portuguese gives you a place to practice reporting a conversation aloud with a Brazilian teacher.
Falei com a recepcionista sobre o horário.
I spoke with the receptionist about the schedule.
Ela disse que o museu abre às nove.
She said that the museum opens at nine.
Depois, falei com meus amigos e contei a novidade.
Afterward, I spoke with my friends and told them the news.
Put it into practice
Use falar for speaking a language, talking with someone, or discussing a topic. Use dizer for specific words, information, or a message; notice where everyday usage overlaps.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Could you tell me your name, please”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.