When to use Raconter

Vicky N.C1Kwiziq community member

When to use Raconter

What is the difference between "Raconter" and "Dire"?  Both are "to tell".  Is it context?


Asked 4 years ago
CécileNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hi Vicky,

Strictly speaking -

Raconter to tell

Dire = to say

Without context I cannot be more specific.

Bonne Continuation!

Vicky N.C1Kwiziq community member

Cecile,

Here's the context:  in the sentence "If you set a date for a meeting, tell me," is translated as: "Si tu fixes une date pour une reunion, dis-le-moi," we cannot use "raconte-le-moi" for "tell me"?

CécileNative French expert teacher in Kwiziq

Hi Vicky, 

No, you couldn’t use ‘raconte-(le) moi’ for setting a date for a meeting. You would use ‘raconter’ for a tale, an anecdote or an incident.

Chris W.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

If you see raconter, think more along the lines of "telling a story". It's about telling something that happened, not just a date.

Vicky N. asked:

When to use Raconter

What is the difference between "Raconter" and "Dire"?  Both are "to tell".  Is it context?


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