Meaning
La expresión «Don’t tell me» se utiliza en inglés para expresar sorpresa, incredulidad o cierta anticipación ante una situación inesperada. Aunque se traduce literalmente como «No me digas», su uso va más allá de simplemente pedirle a alguien que no comparta información.
Por ejemplo, si alguien está a punto de revelar una noticia que anticipas será sorprendente o difícil de creer, puedes usar «Don’t tell me» para mostrar tu reacción emocional antes de que la persona termine su declaración. En contextos informales, transmite una mezcla de sorpresa y expectación.
Ejemplo de uso:
- Alguien dice: «Adivina quién ganó la lotería». Puedes responder: «Don’t tell me que fue tu hermana!»
- En una conversación sobre un partido de fútbol: «No te imaginas quién metió el gol de último minuto». Respuesta: «Don’t tell me que fue el defensa!»
En resumen, «Don’t tell me» es una expresión útil para mostrar sorpresa y preparar al oyente para una reacción fuerte, antes de escuchar una noticia que puede ser impactante o inesperada.
Today's Sentences
- Don’t tell me you forgot.
- Don’t tell me it’s raining again.
- Don’t tell me they lost again.
- Don’t tell me I’m the last one.
- Don’t tell me that he already left.
- Writer's Note
01
Don’t tell me you forgot.
Situation 1
There’s a dress code for the party.
Dress code?
Don’t tell me you forgot.
I totally forgot.
What’s the dress code?
¿Cuál es el código de vestimenta?
Situation 2
Did you pick up the dry-cleaning?
No, I didn’t.
Was I supposed to?
¿Se suponía que debía hacerlo?
Don’t tell me you forgot.
Sorry, I’ll go pick it up right now.
02
Don’t tell me it’s raining again.
Situation 1
Don’t tell me it’s raining again.
Grab an umbrella!
But I just bought new shoes.
Better wear your rain boots instead!
Situation 2
Don’t tell me it’s raining again!
Why?
I just watered the lawn.
You should have waited for the rain to do the watering.
03
Don’t tell me they lost again.
Situation 1
What’s the score?
5 to 4.
Don’t tell me they lost again.
They’ve lost 7 games in a row now.
Situation 2
Carter had his last soccer game of the season.
Don’t tell me they lost again.
Can you be a little more supportive?
Just saying.
04
Don’t tell me I’m the last one.
Situation 1
Have you seen this video?
Yes, it went viral a few months ago!
Don’t tell me I’m the last one to see it.
You just might be.
Situation 2
I’ve watched this movie so many times that I memorized the lines.
I haven’t seen it yet.
Don’t tell me I’m the last one!
¡No me digas que soy el último!
It's such a good movie,
you have to see it.
tienes que verla.
Ok, I'll make plans this week.
05
Don’t tell me that he already left.
Situation 1
I need him to file a police report.
You do?
Don’t tell me that he already left.
I’ll give him a call.
Situation 2
I brought him a birthday gift.
You did?
Don’t tell me that he already left.
No, he just stepped out to get some more drinks.
Writer's Note
Since "Don't tell me" is used to express surprise, shock or disbelief. Sometimes it's great to use alternatives that will expand your vocabulary range and add variety to your conversations.
Here are some you can choose from:
- You're joking!
- No way!
- Are you serious?
- I can't believe it!
- You're kidding me!
- It can't be!
- You've got to be kidding!
Switching up common phrases for newer ones is a creative way to learn and practice your English skills. As your word bank grows, you can definitely see a gain in your reading, writing, and speaking skills.
