Significado
Used to ask how to express a word or phrase in English.
Contexto cultural
Americans are generally very helpful and will often provide the word immediately if they see you struggling. They might even offer a few slang alternatives. In the UK, people might provide different words than in the US (e.g., 'lift' instead of 'elevator'). If you ask 'How do you say...?', they might ask if you want the British or American version. In international business, 'How do you say...?' is a vital tool for 'clarification'. It is used to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding technical terms. On apps like HelloTalk or Tandem, this is the #1 most used phrase. It is often abbreviated or used with emojis to bridge the gap between learners.
Use Gestures
If you don't know the word at all, point at the object and say 'How do you say this?'. It's the fastest way to learn.
Avoid 'How call you?'
This is a very common mistake for Spanish and Italian speakers. Always use 'say' or 'What do you call...'.
Significado
Used to ask how to express a word or phrase in English.
Use Gestures
If you don't know the word at all, point at the object and say 'How do you say this?'. It's the fastest way to learn.
Avoid 'How call you?'
This is a very common mistake for Spanish and Italian speakers. Always use 'say' or 'What do you call...'.
Carry a Notebook
When you ask 'How do you say...?' and get an answer, write it down immediately so you don't forget!
Ponte a prueba
Complete the question to ask for the English word for 'maison'.
How ___ you ___ 'maison' in English?
We use the auxiliary 'do' and the base verb 'say' for this standard question.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask for a word you forgot?
You are pointing at a pen but forgot the word. You say:
'How do you say this in English?' is the most common and natural expression.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: I want to buy some... ____ ____ ____ ____ 'manzana' in English? B: It's an apple!
'How do you say' fits perfectly in this translation context.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are in a French class and want to know the word for 'water'.
You are asking for the translation, so 'How do you say' is the correct choice.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosHow ___ you ___ 'maison' in English?
We use the auxiliary 'do' and the base verb 'say' for this standard question.
You are pointing at a pen but forgot the word. You say:
'How do you say this in English?' is the most common and natural expression.
A: I want to buy some... ____ ____ ____ ____ 'manzana' in English? B: It's an apple!
'How do you say' fits perfectly in this translation context.
Situation: You are in a French class and want to know the word for 'water'.
You are asking for the translation, so 'How do you say' is the correct choice.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
5 preguntasIn a question, always use 'How do you say...?'. 'How to say' is used in titles or statements, like 'I am learning how to say hello'.
It is better to say 'What do you call this?' or 'How do you say this?'. 'How do you call' sounds like a translation error.
If you are already speaking English, it's usually obvious, so you can just say 'How do you say [word]?'.
Yes, it is very polite and shows you are a dedicated learner.
You can describe it! 'How do you say... the thing for the rain?' (An umbrella).
Frases relacionadas
What does ... mean?
similarAsking for the definition of a word you already know.
How do you pronounce ...?
specialized formAsking for the sound of a word.
What's the English for ...?
synonymAsking for the English equivalent of a foreign word.
How do you spell ...?
builds onAsking for the letters in a word.
