These are two very confusing verbs, because they’re both “decir” in Spanish.

One easy trick to know when to use which one is by knowing what follows each verb.

• Say is usually followed by the words spoken.

The person they’re spoken to may be mentioned optionally after “to”

She said she wanted to go to the beach. She said that (to me) yesterday.

• Tell is followed first by the person being spoken to, and then optionally by what was said.

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