When to use Raconter

Question

What is the difference between "Raconter" and "Dire"?  Both are "to tell".  Is it context?

Cécile Janty-Davies · Accepted Answer

Hi Vicky,
Strictly speaking -
Raconter = to tell
Dire = to say
Without context I cannot be more specific.
Bonne Continuation!

Vicky Nollam · Answer

Cecile,Here's the context:  in the sentence "If you set a date for a meeting, tell me," is translated as: "Si tu fixes une date pour une reunion, dis-le-moi," we cannot use "raconte-le-moi" for "tell me"?

Cécile Janty-Davies · Answer

Hi Vicky, 
No, you couldn’t use ‘raconte-(le) moi’ for setting a date for a meeting. You would use ‘raconter’ for a tale, an anecdote or an incident.

Chris Wirt · Answer

If you see raconter, think more along the lines of "telling a story". It's about telling something that happened, not just a date.