Sais vs Says – Which One Is Correct (And Why You Might Be Confused)

If you’re someone who’s ever puzzled over the words “sais” and “says,” you’re not alone. These two words may look similar, but only one of them is correct in English. 

Understanding the difference is important, especially if you’re aiming for clear and accurate writing or conversation. 

Whether you’re a native English speaker, a learner of the language, or someone who’s familiar with multiple languages like French, knowing when to use “says” is crucial.

In this comprehensive guide, we will break down the confusion surrounding “sais” and “says.” We’ll explore the meanings, correct usage, and even pronunciation tips. 

By the end, you’ll be able to confidently distinguish between the two and avoid any mix-ups.

What’s the Difference Between “Sais” and “Says”?

Before we dive into the details of why people get these words mixed up, let’s first address the central question: What exactly is the difference?

• “Says” is a word in English.
  
• “Sais” is a word in French, not English.
  

While both words may appear to be similar at first glance, their meanings and functions differ greatly, making “sais” completely incorrect in English contexts. Let’s explore each word more thoroughly.

The Correct Word in English: “Says”

The confusion starts when we look at the word “says”. This word is widely used and is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb “say.” It is used to indicate that someone is speaking or expressing something aloud.

What Does “Says” Mean?

“Says” is used when we want to describe what someone is telling us or expressing verbally. It’s the third-person singular version of the verb say (i.e., he/she/it says). In simpler terms, it tells you that someone is making a statement or expressing an idea.

Here are a few examples:

• She says she’s going to be late.
  
• John says he’ll join us for dinner later.
  
• The teacher says that the test is tomorrow.
  

Notice how in each of these sentences, “says” is used to indicate that someone is saying something in the present. This is the primary function of “says”—it’s about verbal communication.

When to Use “Says”

You should use “says” when referring to someone speaking in the present, specifically a third-person singular subject (he, she, it). Here are more examples:

• Tommy says he likes pizza.
  
• The president says new policies are coming soon.
  
• The professor says the lecture will focus on medieval literature.
  

Remember, “says” is always used for someone (singular) talking or stating something in the present tense.

What About “Sais”?

Now let’s look at “sais.” You might be tempted to use “sais” in English because it looks similar to “says,” but “sais” is not an English word.

So, where does “sais” come from? It originates in French, and it’s a form of the verb savoir, which means “to know.” 

In French, “sais” is used as the first person “I know” and second person “you know” singular form. For example:

• Je sais (I know)
  
• Tu sais (You know)
  

Why Is “Sais” Incorrect in English?

You might have come across “sais” while learning French or in texts that blend different languages, but in English, “sais” is never correct. It can be confusing because it resembles the third-person singular form of the verb “say” (says), but that’s where the similarity ends.

“Sais” simply does not exist in English—you cannot use it as a substitute for “says”.

Why Do People Mix Up “Sais” and “Says”?

Now that we’ve clarified what “says” and “sais” mean and how they differ, let’s explore why people often mix them up.

1. Pronunciation Confusion

The primary reason for the mix-up is pronunciation. The two words—“says” and “sais”—sound quite similar, especially when spoken quickly or by non-native speakers.

• “Says” in English is pronounced /sɛz/ (like “sez”).
  
• “Sais” in French is pronounced /sɛ/ (like “seh”).
  

While they don’t sound identical, to a non-native English speaker or someone transitioning between languages, these subtle differences can be difficult to notice.

2. Spelling Confusion

Another reason people confuse “sais” and “says” is due to their similar spelling. When typing quickly or in informal writing, it’s easy to mix up the two, especially when they look almost the same except for the “s” and “a.”

How to Pronounce “Says” Correctly

Pronouncing “says” correctly is key to using it properly in English. If you’ve been pronouncing it with a long “a” sound, like “sayz,” you may be mispronouncing it. Here’s a breakdown of the correct pronunciation:

Correct Pronunciation:

• “Says” is pronounced /sɛz/, which sounds like “sez” (rhyming with “fez”).
  

Common Mistakes in Pronunciation

You might be tempted to pronounce “says” like “sayz,” but the correct pronunciation sounds like “sez.”

Tips for Accurate Pronunciation

To make sure you’re saying “says” right:

• Focus on the short “e” sound like in “bed.”
  
• Say it quickly, with the “z” sound at the end, not the “y” sound.
  
• Try saying “fez” and then add an “s” in front.
  

Common Uses of “Says” in Sentences

To grasp how “says” works in sentences, let’s look at more examples:

• My sister says she will visit us next weekend.
  
• The doctor says to avoid too much salt.
  
• It says in the book that this is the main character’s journey.
  

In each of these cases, “says” indicates that someone is stating something in the present.

Real-World Examples of Mistakes

Even in professional writing or day-to-day communication, people sometimes slip up by using “sais” when they should use “says.” Here are some incorrect examples:

• She said that she will join us for lunch.
  This is wrong. The correct form is “says.”
  
• Tom said the event starts at 6 p.m.
  Again, the correct version is “Tom says.”
  

Using “sais” in this context would make you sound unfamiliar with proper English grammar rules.

How to Avoid Mistakes in the Future

To ensure you never confuse “sais” with “says” again, follow these tips:

1. Use Context

Always consider context. Are you referring to someone speaking or making a statement? If so, “says” is your word.

2. Know the Language You’re Using

If you’re a multilingual person, knowing which language you’re speaking or writing in can help prevent confusion. “Sais” belongs to French, while “says” is strictly English.

3. Practice with Examples

The more you read and write using “says”, the easier it becomes to use it correctly. You can practice by reading simple texts or repeating sentences that include “says”.

Summary: Quick Recap

Here’s a quick summary of the key points we covered:

• “Says” is the correct word in English to describe someone stating something.
  
• “Sais” is a French word meaning “to know” and is never used in English.
  
• The confusion arises due to similar pronunciation and spelling.
  
• Always remember that “says” is used for someone speaking in the present tense.
  

Conclusion:

Now that you know the difference between “sais” and “says,” you can confidently use the correct word in your writing and conversations. By keeping the distinctions clear, you’ll avoid common mistakes and enhance your English fluency.

If you’re still unsure about other tricky language issues or need clarification, feel free to ask. Language learning is a journey, and understanding these small details will help you on your way to becoming more confident in your skills!

FAQs: Sais vs Says

1. Is “sais” ever correct in English?

No, “sais” is not correct in English. It’s actually a French word meaning “I know” or “you know” (from the verb savoir). If you’re writing or speaking in English, the correct form you want is always “says.”

2. Why do people confuse “says” with “sais”?

Mostly because of similar spelling and pronunciation. Both words look alike and sound somewhat similar, especially to non-native speakers. Also, people who speak both French and English may accidentally blend the two languages while writing.

3. How do you pronounce “says” correctly?

“Says” is pronounced /sɛz/, like the word “sez.”
It rhymes with “fez” and does not sound like “sayz,” which is a common mispronunciation. Keep it short and snappy with a soft “e” sound.

4. Can I use “sais” if I’m trying to be creative in writing?

Not unless your writing involves the French language or character dialogue in French. If you’re writing in English and want to sound clear and professional, stick with “says.” Using “sais” in English will be seen as a spelling error or typo.

5. Is “sais” a typo or an actual word?

It depends on the language:

• In French, “sais” is a legitimate word (from the verb savoir).
• In English, it’s considered a typo or misspelling of “says.”