volere dire
In Italian, 'mean' can be translated using volere dire or significare.
Meaning: of a word: to signify (verb)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| volere dire | |
| significare | /siɲ.ɲi.fiˈka.re/ |
When you want to express the meaning of a word or a statement, you use these verbs. For example, significare is used when discussing the significance or implication of something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase volere dire is a literal construction meaning 'to want to say'.
Which one should you use?
Volere dire is the most common way to express the meaning of a word or a statement in everyday conversation. In contrast, significare is more formal or abstract and is often used when discussing the significance or implication of something.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When asking for the definition of a word, Italians often use the third-person singular form vuol dire (a contraction of vuole dire) in the phrase Che cosa vuol dire?
Did you know?
- Using 'want to say' to mean 'signify' is not unique to Italian. You will find nearly identical constructions in French vouloir dire, Spanish querer decir and Dutch willen zeggen.
- In very informal settings, the phrase Che vuol dire? can be used as a rhetorical expression of disbelief or indignation, similar to saying 'What is that supposed to mean!' in English.
- In Italian, if you want to ask 'What do you mean?' because you are confused by someone's logic, you would likely use Cosa intendi? instead of Che cosa vuol dire? The latter would sound like you are asking for the dictionary definition of the words they just used.
Examples in context
- Questo può volere dire guerra.This could mean war.This sentence shows how to use volere dire to express a possibility.Tatoeba #5606710 by Guybrush88, translation #1257638 by niceguydave
- Cosa può significare tutto quello?What can all that mean?This sentence shows how to use significare to ask about the meaning of something.Tatoeba #3382348 by Guybrush88, translation #2892488 by CK
- Cosa potrebbe significare?What could it mean?This sentence shows how to use significare to ask about a possible meaning.Tatoeba #4880728 by Guybrush88, translation #3415283 by CK
- Il tuo comportamento è davvero cattivo.Your behavior is really mean.
- Non capisco perché sia così stronza con tutti.I don't understand why she's so mean to everyone.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Martina are discussing a confusing text message.
- FrancescoCosa può volere dire questo messaggio?What can this message mean?
- MartinaNon lo so, è molto strano.I don't know, it is very strange.
- FrancescoVuoi dire che è arrabbiata con me?Do you mean that she is angry with me?
- MartinaForse, ma non ne sono sicura.Maybe, but I am not sure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mean” translations and entries volere dire, significare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dire, significare, volere, volere dire, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
