Learning how to express the phrase “it means” in Spanish is essential for effective communication. Whether you want to inquire about the meaning of a word or express its significance, this guide will equip you with various ways to convey this concept. We’ll explore both formal and informal ways, highlighting some regional variations when necessary. So, let’s dive in and expand your linguistic skills!
Table of Contents
1. Formal Expressions:
When you need to say “it means” in a more formal context, consider these phrases:
a) Significa:
The most straightforward and commonly used translation for “it means” is “significa.” This versatile verb allows you to express the meaning of words, phrases, or concepts. For instance:
Example: La palabra “casa” significa “home” en inglés. (The word “casa” means “home” in English.)
b) Quiere decir:
An alternative formal expression for “it means” is “quiere decir.” This phrase works especially well when emphasizing the intent behind a word or phrase. For instance:
Example: La expresión “te quiero” quiere decir “I love you” en español. (The phrase “te quiero” means “I love you” in Spanish.)
c) Corresponde a:
In certain formal situations, “corresponde a” can convey the idea of “it means.” This phrase often highlights the relationship or correspondence of a term with another. For example:
Example: Cuando decimos “profesor” aquí en México, corresponde a “teacher” en inglés. (When we say “profesor” here in Mexico, it corresponds to “teacher” in English.)
2. Informal Expressions:
When engaging in informal conversations, you can use these phrases to express the concept of “it means” more casually:
a) Es decir:
“Es decir” is a popular informal expression used to indicate something is meant or, in other words, clarify its meaning. This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations. Check out the example below:
Example: Me dijo que no podría llegar a tiempo, es decir, que nos veremos mañana. (He told me he couldn’t make it on time, which means we’ll meet tomorrow.)
b) O sea:
“O sea” is another informal way to convey the meaning of something, often used to rephrase or provide further explanation. This phrase is popular in various Spanish-speaking regions. Consider the following example:
Example: No puedo asistir a la fiesta. Tengo mucho trabajo, o sea, estoy abrumado. (I can’t attend the party. I have a lot of work, which means I’m overwhelmed.)
3. Regional Variations:
While the expressions mentioned above are widely used across Spanish-speaking regions, some variations and alternative phrases exist depending on regional preferences. Here are a couple of examples:
a) En Argentina:
In Argentina, the word “significar” is commonly replaced by “querer decir.” The latter is preferred in casual conversations, whereas the former remains widely used in formal settings.
b) En España:
In Spain, the phrase “eso quiere decir” is frequently employed to convey “that means” in both formal and informal contexts. This expression is particularly prevalent among Spanish speakers from Spain.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now expanded your knowledge of how to say “it means” in Spanish. Remember that “significa” and “quiere decir” are the primary formal expressions, while “es decir” and “o sea” work best in informal situations. Additionally, regional variations such as “querer decir” in Argentina or “eso quiere decir” in Spain reflect the rich diversity of the Spanish language.
By mastering these phrases and variations, you can confidently express and understand the meaning of words and concepts in Spanish. Keep practicing and immersing yourself in the language to further enhance your communication skills. ¡Buena suerte!
