When engaged in a conversation, it’s not uncommon to encounter situations where you need clarification. One common question we often use to seek clarification is “What do you mean by that?” In Spanish, there are several ways to express this question, both formally and informally. In this guide, we will cover various options to help you navigate these situations effectively.
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Formal Expressions
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking to someone you need to address more respectfully, these phrases will be useful:
“¿Qué quiere decir con eso?”
Translating to “What do you mean by that?”, this phrase is the most straightforward and formal option to seek clarification in Spanish.
Example:
Speaker A: “Creo que deberíamos reevaluar nuestra estrategia de marketing”.
Speaker B: “¿Qué quiere decir con eso?”
“¿A qué se refiere con eso?”
This expression is also formal and has a slightly different construction, translating to “To what do you refer with that?” It is a more polished way to ask for further explanation.
Example:
Speaker A: “Es fundamental optimizar nuestras operaciones internas”.
Speaker B: “¿A qué se refiere con eso?”
Informal Expressions
When speaking to friends, family, or in informal situations, you can use more relaxed phrases to ask for clarification:
“¿A qué te refieres?”
If you’re speaking to someone you are familiar with, this phrase is a great way to ask “What do you mean?” in a casual manner.
Example:
Speaker A: “Tenemos que juntarnos para ponernos al día”.
Speaker B: “¿A qué te refieres?”
“¿Qué quieres decir con eso?”
A slightly more informal yet common way to ask for clarification is by using this expression, meaning “What do you mean by that?”
Example:
Speaker A: “Me sorprende que haya decidido renunciar”.
Speaker B: “¿Qué quieres decir con eso?”
Regional Variations
The Spanish language encompasses various dialects across different countries, each with its unique expressions. While the previously mentioned phrases are widely understood, you might come across some regional variations. Here are a couple of examples:
“¿Qué significa eso?”
This expression, meaning “What does that mean?”, is commonly used in some Latin American countries, such as Mexico. Although it diverges slightly from the original question, it still conveys the same idea.
Example:
Speaker A: “Nunca debes rendirte en tus sueños”.
Speaker B: “¿Qué significa eso?”
“¿Qué quires decir con eso?”
This phrase, with a distinct variation in spelling, is heard in certain regions. Although it may sound different, it is essentially the same question as “What do you mean by that?”
Example:
Speaker A: “Deberías pensar en tus próximas vacaciones”.
Speaker B: “¿Qué quires decir con eso?”
Remember, these regional variations should only be utilized if you are in a specific Spanish-speaking region or if the person you are conversing with uses these expressions.
Tips for Using These Phrases
Here are some valuable tips to enhance your usage of the above phrases:
- Pay attention to context: Understand the situation and select the appropriate phrase accordingly.
- Use the appropriate level of formality: Decide whether you need to maintain a formal or informal tone and adjust your expression accordingly.
- Consider your relationship with the listener: If you are speaking to a friend, an informal question will be more appropriate, while in professional settings, sticking to formal expressions is advisable.
- Listen actively: Giving your full attention and listening attentively to the response can help you better understand the meaning.
- Practice pronunciation: Take the time to pronounce these phrases correctly to ensure effective communication.
By being mindful of these tips, you will be better equipped to seek clarification and engage in meaningful conversations in Spanish.
In conclusion, the ability to ask “What do you mean by that?” in Spanish is essential for effective communication. This guide has provided you with a range of expressions, both formal and informal, to help you navigate various situations. Remember to adapt your language choice based on the context and your relationship with the listener. With practice and the tips provided, you will soon be confidently seeking clarification in any Spanish conversation.
