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I have a question regarding the word "tell/told" I want to say "I told him that XXX" After some research, this is what I came up with.

彼に「XXX」を伝えた。

彼に「XXX」を言った。

I was wondering if they both have different level of formality? or which one is better use with friend?

EDIT: I still don't understand it, after reading the suggested duplicate question. However, this is better elaborated by the answer below.

Thank you

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Maru
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1 Answers1

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I don't think the difference between 伝えるand言うis one of formality.

伝えるhas the connotation of "passing on a message", or "informing someone". It suggests that the speaker didn't create the message, they're just passing it on.

言うis simply "to say" something or "to tell" someone something.

Remko Popma
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