quiero decir
/kjeɾo deθiɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase "I mean" can be expressed using quiero decir or digo.
Meaning: used to correct an error (particle)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| quiero decir | /kjeɾo deθiɾ/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /kjeɾo desiɾ/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| digo | /ˈdiɡo/ |
The phrase is used as a discourse marker or particle to introduce a clarification or to correct a previous mistake. It functions similarly to the English "I mean" when you want to rephrase something or fix a slip of the tongue.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase quiero decir literally translates to "I want to say".
Which one should you use?
Quiero decir is a common way to correct yourself or provide clarification. In contrast, the single verb digo can be used as a quicker, more informal way to say "I mean" specifically when correcting a slip of the tongue.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo deθiɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of digo and decir comes from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to show' or 'point out'. This suggests that in ancient times speaking was viewed as a physical act of gesturing toward something.
- While quiero decir is the standard for clarification, some dialects use o sea as a ubiquitous alternative that functions like 'I mean' or 'in other words'.
- In Spanish, digo can be used as a 'filler' word in a way that mimics the English 'I mean' to stall for time while thinking, even when no mistake is being corrected.
Examples in context
- No… Quiero decir, sí.No… I mean, yes.This example shows how to use quiero decir to correct a previous statement.Tatoeba #1435542 by marcelostockle, translation #1435543 by marcelostockle
- Ahora lo digo de veras.I mean it this time.Tatoeba #7262801 by arh, translation #2908740 by Hybrid
- ¿Sabes qué quiero decir?Do you know what I mean?This example shows how to use quiero decir to ask if your meaning is clear.Tatoeba #1136636 by marcelostockle, translation #321488 by CK
- La situación se complicó, quiero decir que necesitamos más tiempoThe situation got complicated, I mean we need more time
- Este proceso es ilógico. Es decir, no va a funcionar como esperamosThis process is illogical, that is to say, it won't work as we expect
- No puedo salir esta noche, o sea, tengo mucho trabajo por hacerI can't go out tonight, I mean, I have a lot of work to do
- Creo que necesitaremos más tiempo para finalizar el proyecto. Quiero decir, hay algunos problemas técnicos que debemos resolver antes de procederI think we'll need more time to finish the project. I mean, there are some technical issues we need to address before moving forward
- Está bien, no podré llegar a tiempo a la fiesta. O sea, mi auto se averió en el caminoOkay, I won't be able to make it to the party on time. I mean, my car broke down on the way
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are discussing their weekend plans.
- MateoVamos a ir al cine el sábado.We are going to the movies on Saturday.
- María¿El sábado por la tarde?On Saturday afternoon?
- MateoNo, quiero decir, el domingo.No, I mean, Sunday.
- MaríaAh, vale, no hay problema.Ah, okay, no problem.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I mean” translations and entries quiero decir, digo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries decir, digo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
