What is the difference between say and tell?

Answer 1

Both "say" and "tell" can have a direct object and an indirect object. The direct object is the words spoken, and the indirect object is the person to whom the words are spoken. However, with "say" you put the word "to" in front of the indirect object; whereas, with "tell" you do not: I say to you, "Hello". I tell you, "Hello". Also, with "tell" you ALWAYS have an indirect object. With say, you don't have to have an indirect object: I say, "Hello". I tell you, "Hello". (You would never say, "I tell, Hello".)

Answer 2

"Say" is used when reporting words spoken by someone, without specifying the listener, while "tell" is used when reporting words spoken to someone, specifying the listener. For example: "He said he was tired" (only reporting the words spoken) vs. "He told me he was tired" (reporting the words spoken to the listener).