Greetings! If you’re looking to learn how to say “What do you mean?” in Portuguese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to express this query along with helpful tips, examples, and even some regional variations if necessary. So let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Do You Mean?”
When addressing someone formally, such as an elder, a person in authority, or in professional settings, it is important to use appropriate language. Here are some formal phrases you can use:
- O que você quer dizer? – What do you mean?
- Como assim? – How is that?
- Poderia me explicar melhor? – Could you explain it to me better?
These expressions serve as polite ways to clarify someone’s meaning while maintaining a respectful tone.
Informal Ways to Say “What Do You Mean?”
When conversing with friends, family, or in casual situations, you can use more relaxed language. Here are some informal phrases:
- O que você quer dizer? – What do you mean?
- Como assim? – How is that?
- O quê? Não entendi. – What? I didn’t understand.
- O que cê tá falando? – What are you talking about?
- Como assim, mano? – How is that, dude?
These informal expressions are used in daily conversations to express surprise or ask for further clarification.
Tips and Examples
Let’s take a look at some tips and examples to help you understand the usage of these phrases:
Tips:
- Pay attention to the pronunciation of each word in these phrases to ensure clear communication.
- Practice using these expressions in different contexts to become more comfortable with them.
- Observe the intonation of native speakers when they ask for clarification.
Examples:
Example 1:
Person A: Já viu aquele novo filme? (Have you seen that new movie?)
Person B: Oi? Não entendi. (What? I didn’t understand.)
Example 2:
Person A: O professor disse que a prova é amanhã. (The teacher said the test is tomorrow.)
Person B: Como assim? Achei que fosse semana que vem. (How is that? I thought it was next week.)
Example 3:
Person A: Aquela festa vai ser incrível! (That party is going to be amazing!)
Person B: O que cê tá falando? Eu nem fui convidado. (What are you talking about? I wasn’t even invited.)
Regional Variations
While Portuguese is widely spoken across different regions, it’s worth noting some variations in certain countries or dialects:
In Brazil, it’s common to hear:
O que você quer dizer?
Como assim?
O quê? Não entendi.
O que cê tá falando?
In Portugal, you might come across:
O que querias dizer?
Como assim?
O quê? Não percebi.
O que é que estás a dizer?
These variations may differ slightly in vocabulary or pronunciation, but the overall meaning remains the same.
Now armed with these phrases, tips, and examples, you’re ready to confidently ask “What do you mean?” in Portuguese, whether you’re engaging in formal or informal conversations. Practice, immerse yourself in the language, and enjoy connecting with Portuguese speakers around the world! Boa sorte! (Good luck!)
