How to Ask ‘How Do You Say…?’ in English (A1/A2)

劳尔-马吉尼亚

Langcom 创始人 | 剑桥考试和SIELE考试考官

2026年7月12日

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To ask for an English word you don’t know, use the phrase How do you say…? This is the most common and natural way to ask for vocabulary in English. You can use it to learn single words or even short phrases. This simple question helps you fill gaps in your knowledge during a conversation. When someone asks you this question, you can answer simply with It’s [the English word]. Mastering these two phrases will help you communicate more effectively and quickly expand your vocabulary. It’s an essential tool for A1/A2 learners, allowing you to participate in conversations and understand new words without needing a dictionary immediately. This structure is clear, polite, and understood by all English speakers, making your learning journey smoother and more interactive. Practice saying these phrases aloud to improve your pronunciation and confidence.

Why is it important to ask ‘How do you say…?’

Learning new words is a big part of learning English. Sometimes you know a word in your language but not in English.

  • Asking helps you learn new vocabulary directly from a speaker.
  • It also shows you are active and interested in learning.
  • This question helps you keep conversations going smoothly.

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How do you ask for a word in English?

Use this simple phrase to ask for any word you don’t know:

  • How do you say [word in your language] in English?

Replace [word in your language] with the word you want to know.

  • How do you say “casa” in English?
  • How do you say “gracias” in English?
  • How do you say “padre” in English?

How do you answer ‘How do you say…?’

When someone asks you this question, you can give a simple and direct answer:

  • It’s [English word].

Replace [English word] with the correct English translation.

  • It’s “house.”
  • It’s “thank you.”
  • It’s “father.”

Can you ask about phrases too?

Yes, you can use the same question to ask about short phrases, not just single words.

  • How do you say “buenos días” in English?
  • It’s “good morning.”
  • How do you say “por favor” in English?
  • It’s “please.”

示例

  • How do you say “casa” in English?
  • How do you say “gracias” in English?
  • How do you say “padre” in English?
  • It’s “house.”
  • It’s “thank you.”
  • It’s “father.”
  • How do you say “buenos días” in English?
  • It’s “good morning.”
  • How do you say “por favor” in English?
  • It’s “please.”

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西班牙语母语者常犯的错误

讲西班牙语的人有时会犯以下错误:

  • Direct translation of “How is said?”
    • 错误: How is said “casa” in English?
    • 正确: How do you say “casa” in English?
    • Explanation: English uses “do you say” for this question, not a passive structure like “is said.”
  • Missing “do you say” or “in English”
    • 错误: How “casa”? (This is too short and unclear.)
    • 错误: What is “casa” in English? (This is understandable but less natural for asking *how to say* something.)
    • 正确: How do you say “casa” in English?
    • Explanation: Always include “do you say” and “in English” for clarity and natural speech.

常见问题

What if I don’t know the word in my language?

If you don’t know the word in your language, you can try to describe it. For example, you could ask: What is the word for the place where we live?What do you call the person who is your father?

Can I use other verbs instead of “say”?

For asking how to express a word, say is the most common and natural verb. You might hear How do you pronounce…? for pronunciation specifically, but say works for both meaning and pronunciation.

Is this phrase formal or informal?

The phrase How do you say…? is neutral. You can use it in both formal and informal situations. It is always polite and appropriate.

What is the most important part of this lesson?

The most important part is to remember and use the full phrase: How do you say [your word] in English? and the simple answer: It’s [English word]. These are your key tools for learning new vocabulary and communicating effectively.

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关于作者:劳尔·马吉尼亚

劳尔·马吉尼亚是Langcom教育协会的主任,该协会是位于 美国. 凭借在语言教育和国际认证领域十余年的经验,他已帮助来自25个国家的数千名学生、教师和教育机构考取了剑桥英语证书以及IELTS、TOEFL和Michigan英语证书。.

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