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说

shuō

Original teaching content · provenance and version

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Mandarin pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Previously approved by project reviewer

pinyin
shuō
simplified
说
traditional
說

1 · verb

To express meaning with the voice or use a language.

用声音表达意思或使用某种语言。

Use speak English; the past tense is spoke.

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Could you speak more slowly?

English pronunciation · Device-generated pronunciation (depends on browser and system voices)

Your current device will speak after you click; voices can differ by device.

你可以说得慢一点吗?

Mandarin pronunciation · Device-generated pronunciation (depends on browser and system voices)

Your current device will speak after you click; voices can differ by device.

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Learn 说 with its example phrase. Mandarin citation form: shuō.

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2 · verb

To express something in spoken words or use a language in speech.

用声音表达意思或使用某种语言。

Use shuō for speech, as in 说话 or 说中文. Choose speak, talk or say according to the English construction; they are not freely interchangeable.

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In class, we try to speak Chinese as much as possible.

English pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Candidate — listening review pending

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在教室里,我们尽量说中文。

Mandarin pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Previously approved by project reviewer

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The sound on the phone isn't clear. Please say that again.

English pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Candidate — listening review pending

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电话里声音不清楚,请再说一遍。

Mandarin pronunciation · Synthesized MP3 · Previously approved by project reviewer

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Mandarin reading: shuō.

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Related senses in the other language

These links apply to the listed senses, not every use of each word.

speak — To express meaning with the voice or use a language.