significa
/siɡnifika/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase "it means" is translated as significa.
If you want to ask for the definition of a specific word, you can use the construction ¿Qué significa [word]?
What does it mean word for word?
The word significa is derived from the Latin significare, which means "to make a sign" or "to denote".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase eso quiere decir is frequently used to convey "that means" in both formal and informal contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
significa is the third-person singular present indicative form of the infinitive significar. If the subject is plural, such as "these words", you must use the form significan instead.
How do you pronounce it?
/siɡnifika/
Did you know?
- While significa is the standard translation, speakers often use the phrase quiere decir to mean 'it means' or 'it implies'. Literally, this translates to 'it wants to say', which sounds much more personified to an English speaker.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, if you ask ¿Qué significa esto? while pointing to a physical object, the person might think you are asking about the symbolic or spiritual meaning of the object rather than its name.
- The phrase ¿Qué significa esto? can be used not just to ask for a definition, but as a confrontational way to ask 'What is the meaning of this?' when someone is shocked by a situation.
Examples in context
- Sé lo que significa.I know what it means.This sentence shows how to use significa to express knowing a meaning.Tatoeba #4554905 by swyter, translation #2376295 by CK
- No sé qué significa.I don't know what it means.Tatoeba #5865925 by baudelaire, translation #2361257 by CK
- ¿Crees que significa algo?Do you think it means something?This sentence shows how to use significa to ask if something has meaning.Tatoeba #4391841 by pchamorro, translation #3287075 by CK
- La palabra "casa" significa "home" en inglés.The word "casa" means "home" in English.
- La expresión "te quiero" quiere decir "I love you" en español.The phrase "te quiero" means "I love you" in Spanish.
- Cuando decimos "profesor" aquí en México, corresponde a "teacher" en inglés.When we say "profesor" here in Mexico, it corresponds to "teacher" in English.
- 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.
- 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.
- 22 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are looking at a road sign.
- Alejandro¿Qué significa este símbolo?What does this symbol mean?
- LucíaSignifica que no puedes estacionar aquí.It means that you cannot park here.
- AlejandroEntiendo, gracias por la explicación, Lucía.I understand, thanks for the explanation, Lucía.
- LucíaDe nada, Alejandro.You're welcome, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
