To Say
godan verb
This word consists of kanji with hiragana attached. Because the hiragana ends with an う sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means say, so the verb version of that is to say.
Since this word consists of a kanji with hiragana attached, you can bet that it will use the kun'yomi reading. You didn't learn that reading with this kanji, so here's a mnemonic to help you:
To remember the reading い we use the word "eagle."
You're trying to say something, but every time you try to say anything an eagle (い) swoops down and pecks at your face then flies away. Just imagine yourself saying tiny bits of words, then an eagle crashing down on your face. Then, you wait in silence. Nothing happens. You try to say something again, and the eagle swoops down on you again.
スタッフは「ありがとうございました」と、言う。
The staff says, "Thank you."
もう少しゆっくり言って下さい。
Please say it a little slower.
今日はちゃんと先生に「おはようございます」言った？
Did you tell your teacher "Good morning" today?