said to vs told

[Lucretia]

Hello,
I wonder if there’s any difference (in terms of correctness or some connotations) between the two:
1. She said to me that she was satisfied.
2. She told me that she was satisfied.

Google : said to me that -565,000
told me that – 3720,000

Thank you.

[eeshan]

The correction will be as follows for the first sentence.
She said that she was satisfied. (the words "to me" could be eliminated as it is already implied)

Correction in second sentence is not required, and it is absolutely fine.....
Regards

[Pete]

Hello,
I wonder if there’s any difference (in terms of correctness or some connotations) between the two:
1. She said to me that she was satisfied.
2. She told me that she was satisfied.

Google : said to me that -565,000
told me that – 3720,000

Thank you.
I'd say that both are correct and mean exactly the same thing. Since the single word "told" fits the meaning exactly, I think it is reasonable that it is chosen more often than the longer equivalent form, "said to".

[Lucretia]

Thank you both.

[Dr. Jamshid Ibrahim]

I'd say that both are correct and mean exactly the same thing. Since the single word "told" fits the meaning exactly, I think it is reasonable that it is chosen more often than the longer equivalent form, "said to".

The verb "say" needs "to" when an indirect personal object is required whereas "tell" doesn't need a preposition. In addition to what Pete said I would also say: "tell" is more frequently used than "say to", less formal and is related to reporting.