Telling someone to say something...

Question

Hello,

I am attempting to play a game with my kids and am trying to do it in Spanish now. There are numbers on plates and I am to call out the number and have them step on it. I would like the to get used to hearing more Spanish so I want to say "Pick up the number 4." in Spanish I have "Recoga el número cuatro." Is there some other way a Spanish speaking person would say this?

Also ¿Cómo se dice say this en español? - If I wanted to say "You say hello to the dog." How would I say that? I hope my question is clear. So far I have just been saying "repite." Also, "diga" I've heard used to answer the phone, could I use that? "Diga, hola al perro." Is that right?

Thanks a bunch.

I just start learning spanish a few weeks ago when ever i try to use the greeting i just freeze how can i overcome this fear - sccttalthea, Feb 19, 2012

I overcome most of my social fears, whether it be Spanish, or singing in front of people by practicing with children first. You get all the practice without the pressure to be perfect. Then start using it with adults after stating that you are learning. - Niki-K-F, Feb 20, 2012

Hello! I Hope you are in good health? Dear,i wish we could be friendly in good lovely relationship , if you could be nice and lovely, well i do cherish your profile age and distance no problem, privately send me a reply to my (rebecadesmond @ ymail.com) - babu4uuu, Feb 21, 2012

Answer 1

Frank is right in that you should be using familiar "tú" for speaking with your kids and in this case, imperative, ie: "Di hola al perro."

Rather than "recoger," I would use "coger." "Recoger" is to take something after already taking it the first time, or picking up something after it has fallen, or even picking up someone as in giving them a ride. You could also use "agarrar," "llevar," "tomar."

Answer 2

I believe that recoja (a j instead of an a) for the formal, or recoge for the informal should be used. And I believe you were on the right track--recoger would be the right verb to use.

Cheers.

Answer 3

Thank you everyone for your help.

1. So I am getting to say "Di 'hola' al perro." When I want to say "Say hi to the dog." That's great and I can remember that.

2. In the plate game I can say, "Coge el número cuatro." to say "Pick up the number 4."

Thanks a bunch this really helps clarify things.

Answer 4

yeah diga is the command form to tell. Like digame is tell me so you can you that. if you want to say "you say" , say dices (exact translation)