Say, tell, speak, talk... Mind the Difference!

SAY

говорить, произнести, высказывать мысль

TELL

рассказывать, сообщать, сказать

In general, you say words to someone: I said hello/sorry/thanks/a few words to her. Say is usually used with the actual words that are spoken: He said, “Open the door”.

What you tell someone is facts, information etc.: I told her the reason/the truth/a lie/ a story/a joke. Only tell can be used to report commands: He told me to open the door.

SPEAK

говорить, т.е. уметь говорить, беседовать с кем-либо

TALK

говорить, разговаривать, беседовать, говорить с кем-либо о чём-либо

is a little formal and often gives the idea that one person is saying more than any others in a conversation: He won’t listen to me – will you speak to him?

usually suggests that two or more people are having conversation: We stayed up all night talking.