Which to use
“decías” and “decidí” are a confusable Spanish pair: similar on the page, but distinct in meaning, check the gloss before you choose.
- #15,066
- “decías” frequency rank
- #4,877
- “decidí” frequency rank
- 19943
- confusion score
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | decías | decidí |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Segunda persona del singular (tú, vos) del pretérito imperfecto de indicativo de decir. | Primera persona del singular (yo) del pretérito perfecto simple de indicativo de decidir o de decidirse. |
Where the spellings diverge
Shared letters are muted; the letters that actually set decías and decidí apart are highlighted. They share 4 letters in sequence, which is exactly why the eye skips the difference.
Spelling & Dictionary Insight
A purely visual mix-up. decías ([d̪eˈsias]) and decidí ([d̪esiˈð̞i]) are said differently, so reading them aloud is the quickest way to catch the wrong one. On the page they stay close: they share most of their letters but differ in 3 positions. Our composite confusion score for this pair is 19943, derived from the frequency rank of both members and their visual similarity.
decías is recorded at frequency rank #15,066, classified as averb, pronounced [d̪eˈsias]. decidí is at rank #4,877, tagged as averb, pronounced [d̪esiˈð̞i].
Glosses for this pair are partially populated in our dataset, but the full side-by-side definitions above should still guide you to the right choice.
With a confusion score of 19943, this pair ranks #261,510 of 323,831 scored Spanish confusable pairs - a relatively easy-to-tell-apart pair.
Orthographic DNA of decías vs decidí
Shared letters: cdeí. Private to "decías": as. Private to "decidí": i.
"decías" · 6 letters · shape CVCVVC · "decidí" · 6 letters · shape CVCVCV
Frequency comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Can "decías" and "decidí" be used interchangeably?
Which is more common, "decías" or "decidí"?
Remembering decías vs decidí
The fastest way to pick the right one every time.
- Read both glosses above and match the meaning you intend, only context separates this pair.
- See each word in full, definition, IPA, etymology and its other confusables. Full “decías” entry
- Browse more pairs most likely to be confused. Most confusable