Says or Sais: The Simple Answer Nobody Tells You

Have you ever paused while typing, unsure if you should write “says” or “sais”? You’re not alone. Thousands of people search for this keyword every month, caught in the gap between hearing the word spoken and seeing it written.

The common pronunciation “sez” can make anyone second-guess the spelling. This article solves that exact confusion.

We’ll clarify the correct spelling, explain why the mix-up happens, and give you confident, professional rules for using the word “says” correctly in any context. Whether you’re a student, writer, or professional, you’ll leave with a definitive answer and the knowledge to avoid a common but easily fixed mistake.

Says or Sais

The correct spelling is “says.” “Sais” is always a misspelling in modern English.
“Says” is a verb. It is the third person singular form of “say.” For example: “She says hello,” or “The report says we are on track.”
“Sais” is not a standard English word. You might see it in historical texts as an archaic form, or as a common typo for “says.” Always use “says” for clear, correct communication.

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The Origin of “Says”

The word “says” comes from the Old English word “secgan,” which meant “to utter, tell.” Over centuries, it evolved into “say.” The spelling “says” became standard to indicate the third-person singular present tense (he/she/it says). The confusion with “sais” likely stems from two places. First, the pronunciation shifted from “sāyz” to the common modern sound “sez,” which doesn’t visually match the spelling. Second, in Middle English, spellings like “saith” and “saise” were used before standardizing to “says.” “Sais” is simply an outdated, non-standard variation that persists as a frequent typo.

British English vs. American English Spelling

For the verb “say,” both British and American English use the identical spelling: “says.” There is no difference. The confusion isn’t about a regional spelling variant; it’s purely between a correct word and a common error.
However, understanding general spelling rules can help. American English often simplifies spellings (color vs. colour), but this particular word is standardized. The pronunciation difference is minor, with both accents typically using the “sez” sound in casual speech.

Feature	American English	British English
Correct Spelling	says	says
Common Pronunciation	“sez”	“sez”
Formal/Old Pronunciation	“sayz”	“sayz”
Incorrect Spelling	sais	sais

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Which Spelling Should You Use?

Your audience determines your choice.

• For a US or UK/Commonwealth Audience: Always use “says.” “Sais” is incorrect everywhere for standard modern English.
• For Global or Formal Writing (Business, Academia): Use “says.” Using “sais” will be seen as a spelling error and can hurt your credibility.
• For Informal Texting or Social Media: While typos are common, using the correct “says” ensures clarity. Your message will always be understood.

The rule is universal: in any contemporary English context, “says” is the only correct choice.

Common Mistakes with “Says”

The most frequent error is directly typing “sais” due to the pronunciation “sez.” Another mistake is misusing “says” in plural contexts.

• Incorrect: He sais it’s time to go.
• Correct: He says it’s time to go.
• Incorrect: They says the plan is good.
• Correct: They say the plan is good. (Use “say” for plural subjects like “they,” “we,” “you.”)

Always match the verb to the subject: “I/you/we/they say” but “he/she/it says.”

“Says” in Everyday Examples

• Email: “As the client says in their feedback, we need to prioritize the timeline.”
• News Headline: “Mayor Says New Policy Will Reduce Traffic.”
• Social Media: “OMG, the trailer says the movie comes out in June! #excited”
• Formal Report: “The data says there is a significant correlation between the two variables.”

In all cases, “says” conveys that someone or something is stating information.

“Says” – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search data clearly shows that “says” is the overwhelmingly dominant term, searched for consistently 100 times more often than “sais.” Searches for “sais” spike in countries where English is a second language, highlighting it as a common learning hurdle. Related searches like “says or sais grammar” and “pronounce says or sez” confirm users are seeking clarification on the correct form and pronunciation.

Keyword Comparison Table

Correct Spelling (Word)	Incorrect / Non-Standard	Notes
says	sais	“Says” is the only correct modern spelling.
say	sez	“Sez” is a phonetic slang spelling, not standard.
said	sed	“Sed” is a non-standard abbreviation or misspelling.

FAQs: Says or Sais

1. What is the difference between sais and says?
“Says” is the correct English word. “Sais” is an incorrect spelling, often a typo.

2. What is the meaning of “says”?
It means to utter words, to state, or to express something in words. It is used for the third person (he, she, it, a name). Example: “The book says to add flour slowly.”

3. When to use “he says”?
Use “he says” when describing what a male subject is currently stating. Example: “Every morning, he says good day to the team.”

4. What do you mean by “says”?
The phrase is asking for clarification on a statement just made. It means, “Can you explain what you just stated?”

5. Is “sais” a word?
No, “sais” is not a valid word in modern standard English. It is a common misspelling of “says.”

6. How do you pronounce “says”?
It is most commonly pronounced “sez” in everyday conversation. The formal pronunciation is “sayz.”

7. Can “it says” be used for objects?
Yes. We often use “it says” for inanimate objects like signs, books, or screens. Example: “It says ‘push’ on the door.”

Conclusion

The confusion between says or sais is a classic case of pronunciation tripping up spelling. The definitive answer is simple: “says” is correct, and “sais” is not. This rule holds true across all forms of English—American, British, and global. Remember the core grammar: use “says” for he, she, it, and singular nouns. By using the correct spelling, you ensure your writing is clear, professional, and free from a common error. Whether you’re drafting an email, writing a report, or posting online, you can now confidently use the word “says.” Let this guide be the final word on the matter.