Understanding the nuances of a foreign language can often be a challenging yet rewarding experience. For English speakers learning Portuguese, distinguishing between verbs that seem synonymous but are used in different contexts is crucial. Two such verbs are dizer and contar, which can be translated to “to say” and “to tell” respectively. While these verbs may appear similar, they have distinct uses and connotations in Portuguese. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of dizer and contar to help you use them accurately and effectively.
Dizer
The verb dizer primarily means “to say” or “to state.” It is used when quoting someone’s words directly or indirectly. Here are some examples:
1. Ele disse que vai ao mercado. (He said that he is going to the market.)
2. Ela sempre diz a verdade. (She always says the truth.)
3. O professor disse: “Estudem para a prova”. (The teacher said, “Study for the exam.”)
In these examples, dizer is used to convey what someone has stated or expressed verbally. It is crucial to note that dizer focuses on the act of stating or expressing information. It is not concerned with the storytelling aspect or the conveying of a narrative.
Conjugation of Dizer
Like many Portuguese verbs, dizer is irregular. Here is a brief overview of its conjugation in the present tense:
1. Eu digo (I say)
2. Tu dizes (You say, informal singular)
3. Ele/Ela/Você diz (He/She/You say, formal singular)
4. Nós dizemos (We say)
5. Vós dizeis (You say, informal plural)
6. Eles/Elas/Vocês dizem (They/You say, formal plural)
Understanding these conjugations will help you accurately use dizer in various contexts.
Contar
The verb contar translates to “to tell” or “to count.” It is often used when narrating a story, giving an account of events, or explaining something in detail. Here are some examples:
1. Vou contar uma história. (I am going to tell a story.)
2. Ele contou tudo o que aconteceu. (He told everything that happened.)
3. Ela contou os segredos dela para mim. (She told her secrets to me.)
In these cases, contar emphasizes the act of telling or narrating. Unlike dizer, which focuses on the act of stating, contar is more about conveying information in a narrative form. Additionally, contar can also mean “to count,” as in numbers:
1. Ela contou até dez. (She counted to ten.)
2. Ele contou o dinheiro. (He counted the money.)
Conjugation of Contar
Contar is a regular verb, and its conjugation in the present tense is as follows:
1. Eu conto (I tell)
2. Tu contas (You tell, informal singular)
3. Ele/Ela/Você conta (He/She/You tell, formal singular)
4. Nós contamos (We tell)
5. Vós contais (You tell, informal plural)
6. Eles/Elas/Vocês contam (They/You tell, formal plural)
This regular pattern makes contar slightly easier to memorize than dizer.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake English speakers make is using dizer when they should use contar, and vice versa. To avoid this, remember the contexts in which each verb is used. Use dizer when you are quoting or stating something directly. Use contar when you are narrating a story or explaining something in detail.
For instance:
– Correct: Ela disse que está cansada. (She said that she is tired.)
– Incorrect: Ela contou que está cansada. (She told that she is tired.)
In the incorrect sentence, contar is wrongly used. The sentence should use dizer because it is a direct statement.
Conversely:
– Correct: Ele contou uma história engraçada. (He told a funny story.)
– Incorrect: Ele disse uma história engraçada. (He said a funny story.)
In this incorrect sentence, dizer is wrongly used. The sentence should use contar because it involves narrating a story.
Expressions and Idioms
Both dizer and contar are used in various expressions and idioms, adding richness to the Portuguese language. Here are a few examples:
Dizer:
1. Dizer ao pé do ouvido – To whisper (literally: to say at the foot of the ear)
2. Dizer asneiras – To talk nonsense (literally: to say foolishness)
3. Dizer de cor – To know by heart (literally: to say by heart)
Contar:
1. Contar carneirinhos – To count sheep (usually to fall asleep)
2. Contar com – To rely on (literally: to count on)
3. Contar vantagem – To brag (literally: to count advantage)
These expressions can significantly enhance your conversational skills and make your Portuguese sound more natural and fluent.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, here are some practice exercises:
1. Fill in the blank with dizer or contar:
– Ela _______ que vai viajar amanhã.
– Vou _______ uma piada.
– Ele _______ que não pode vir.
2. Translate the sentences into Portuguese:
– He said that he loves you.
– She told a beautiful story.
– They count the stars every night.
Answer Key:
1.
– disse
– contar
– disse
2.
– Ele disse que te ama.
– Ela contou uma história bonita.
– Eles contam as estrelas todas as noites.
By understanding the differences between dizer and contar, and practicing their usage, you will improve your Portuguese significantly. Remember, language learning is a journey, and mastering these nuances will make you a more effective and confident speaker. Happy learning!
