Digo - I mean

Question

For the second time, I'm hearing the word "digo" used for, what I assume to be, "I mean". I was listening to a Destinos episode (see 11:12-11:20 interval) recently when I heard it used. I've also heard it one time while watching a Youtube video. One thing that these two videos had in common is a Mexican "influence"; that is, the woman on Destinos was supposed to be of Mexican origin and the lady I heard on Youtube had learned Spanish and was married into a Mexican family. With that said, I was wondering if "digo" really is meant as "I mean"/"Quiero decir" and if so, is it understood outside of Mexico? Could I, for instance, talk to a Cubano (o español [why not? ]) and say, "Estaba a la cena, digo, al cine" and still make sense? Thanks for your help and sorry for the sorry (i.e., poor) example.

Answer 1

"Digo" is first person singular, present indicative of the verb "decir". Literally translating to "I say". It is often used as an expression like "rather" in English. A speaker might say something, then want to either correct of expound slightly on what he just said. He will use the term "digo" to precede his correction.

Example:

Hablo español. Digo, sé hablar mucho de español, pero todavía estoy aprendiendo.

I speak Spanish. Or, rather, I know a lot of Spanish, but I am still learning.

Thanks. Have you heard it used often? - Goldie_Miel, May 23, 2011

It´s very common - 005faa61, May 26, 2011

Thanks for the confirmation, Julian :) - Goldie_Miel, May 26, 2011

Answer 2

"...digo" used to rectify is probably used in all countries, used like "I mean" when you've just made a mistake.

"Digo..." at the beginning of a sentence, when you are thinking what to say (like "Er...") is typically from Mexico.

Thank you. That clarifies a lot :) - Goldie_Miel, May 26, 2011

Answer 3

Yes, I have heard "digo" used as "I mean" many times, but that was among Mexican friends. Usually it came in the beginning of a sentence.I am not sure if it would be understood by anybody else.

I am not sure about the example you gave, though. Sorry :(

Thank you for your input. At least I know that it's fairly safe around Mexicans :o) - Goldie_Miel, May 26, 2011

No problem!! :) - NikkiLR, May 26, 2011

Answer 4

Well, try the dictionary. I just checked "decir" and I see (below the definitions) a number of idioms using some form of "decir" and at least one of them gives a meaning like "I mean to say" which certainly sounds like "I mean". That plus some context should clarify it for you.

Yes, thank you, but those ones are paired with the verb "querer". I couldn't find one with just a form of "decir" like "digo". - Goldie_Miel, May 23, 2011

Then consider two people not quite agreeing, one says "Oh, like A" and the other says "Digo B!" meaning "I mean B, idiot!" - Lector_Constante, May 23, 2011

Answer 5

Could be the origin of the word "dig" as in "I dig it"? I think it cd could mean what you say.

Vikin, Have you not been told not to use text talk in the forum? ;-) - Destroyed99, May 26, 2011

Answer 6

So, generally, would " digo" used in that context be recognized as "rather" among the majority of Spanish-speaking countries? Thanks.