Say Versus Tell: The Verb Swap Every Korean Speaker Makes

Say vs. Tell

Say — the listener needs "to."

• She said hello. ✅
• She said to me that she was busy. ✅
• ~~She said me she was busy.~~ ❌

Tell — the listener needs NO "to."

• She told me the truth. ✅
• ~~She told to me the truth.~~ ❌
• ~~She told that she was busy.~~ ❌ (tell needs a listener)

Fix these six sentences

1. He said to me that he was hungry. (correct or fix)
2. She told to us the news yesterday.
3. My teacher said me to be quiet.
4. They told that the movie was great.
5. He said his name is Tom.
6. Can you tell to me the way to the station?

Choose SAY or TELL

1. She ______ me a secret.
2. He ______ "good morning" to everyone.
3. Please ______ your parents the news.
4. I ______ nothing about the test.