Explication about can tell
I search what´s the meaning for can tell. I know it´s in spanish "puedo decir" but i wish why and who cases "can tell" is used for meaning "distinguir". Example in the song wish you were here. There is a part where sing "so, so you think you can tell heaven or hell".
3 Answers
So you think you can tell (the difference between) heaven from hell...
I just love that song!!!
In this case, the words "the difference between" is understood. It is often used in spoken English. And yes, it is equal to the word "distinguish", as in do you think you can distinguish the difference between heaven and hell.
Hola finda, bienvenido al foro 
So...
So you think you can tell heaven from hell
To tell something from something else...se traduce como "distinguir".
Así que
así que te crees que puedes /sabes distinguir
el cielo del infierno.
Otros ejemplos:
he can't tell good from bad, he can't tell black from white.
Mira, aquí tienes una entrada del diccionario:
tell someone from someone else and tell something from something else
to distinguish one from another.
I can't tell Chuck from Roger. They look so much alike.
I can't tell orange from yellow.
English has a lot of idioms such as "can tell." This expression has various meanings. What you have to decide is what do you mean by "can tell" Is there an English synonym that can substitute for it? If so you will be closer to the Spanish.
In the "can tell" example you give, I can't tell (distinguish) whether you are attempting to inform heaven about something or distinguish something.
Think about it and please make an edit. Someone here will be able to help.
