好词典

tell

UK //tel//US //tel//

词源

源自古英语 'tellan',意为'计数,叙述',与德语 'zählen'(计数)同源。

verb

❶ 用语言或文字向某人传递信息或表达内容,通常涉及具体事实或故事的叙述。

“Can you tell me the time?”

(你能告诉我现在几点吗?)

“She told us an interesting story.”

(她给我们讲了一个有趣的故事。)

❶ 通过观察或判断识别出某事或某人,常用于从外表或迹象得出结论。

“I can tell you're upset by your voice.”

(从你的声音我能听出你不高兴。)

“It's hard to tell the difference between the twins.”

(很难分辨这对双胞胎的区别。)

同义词:inform, say, relate, narrate, express

常见短语

tell the truth — 说实话,表达真实情况,常用于要求或强调诚实。

“You should always tell the truth to your parents.”

(你应该总是对父母说实话。)

tell a lie — 说谎,故意传递不真实的信息。

“He told a lie to avoid trouble.”

(他为了逃避麻烦说了谎。)

tell the difference — 区分或辨别两个或多个事物的不同之处。

“Can you tell the difference between these two brands?”

(你能区分这两个品牌的不同吗?)