Debbie Olivia
Are you learning Spanish and find yourself puzzled by the meaning of a certain phrase? Or maybe you just need someone to clarify what they are saying in a conversation? Knowing how to ask “What do you mean?” in Spanish can be incredibly helpful in these situations. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express this question, including formal and informal ways. Additionally, we will provide you with tips, examples, and some regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in and expand your Spanish language skills!
Formal Ways to Say “What Do You Mean?”
If you are in a formal or professional setting, it’s important to use appropriate language. Here are some formal phrases you can use to ask “What do you mean?” in Spanish:
- ¿Qué quiere decir? – This is a direct translation, and it is the most common way to ask “What do you mean?” formally. Use this phrase when speaking with someone older, of higher authority, or in a professional environment.
- ¿Qué significa? – A more direct translation for “What does it mean?” It conveys the same meaning and can be used interchangeably with “¿qué quiere decir?” in formal settings.
- ¿Podría explicarme qué quiere decir? – This phrase is more elaborate and translates to “Could you explain to me what you mean?” It shows respect and provides a gentle way to ask someone for clarification.
Examples
Here are a few examples of these formal phrases in use:
Speaker A: El informe es bastante técnico.
(The report is quite technical.)Speaker B: ¿Podría explicarme qué quiere decir?
(Could you explain to me what you mean?)
Speaker A: Necesitamos hacer algunos ajustes antes de la reunión.
(We need to make some adjustments before the meeting.)Speaker B: ¿Qué significa?
(What does it mean?)
Informal Ways to Say “What Do You Mean?”
In more casual or informal conversations, you can use these phrases to ask “What do you mean?” in Spanish:
- ¿Qué quieres decir? – This is the informal equivalent of “What do you mean?” Use it among friends, peers, or in informal settings.
- ¿A qué te refieres? – This phrase literally means “To what are you referring?” It has a similar connotation to “What do you mean?” and can be used informally.
- ¿Cómo así? – This phrase, popular in some Latin American countries, can be translated as “How so?” but is often used to ask for further clarification or to express surprise.
Examples
Here are some examples of these informal phrases in use:
Speaker A: No puedo creer que haya ganado.
(I can’t believe I won.)Speaker B: ¿A qué te refieres?
(What do you mean?)
Speaker A: Voy a comprar un pasaje a Europa.
(I’m going to buy a ticket to Europe.)Speaker B: ¿Cómo así?
(How so?)
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken in various countries, and each region has its own idiomatic expressions. While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout the Spanish-speaking world, there are some regional variations to keep in mind.
In some Latin American countries, they use the question “¿Qué quieres decir con eso?” as an informal way to ask “What do you mean?” This phrase translates directly to “What do you mean with that?” and is commonly used in Mexico, Colombia, and other Spanish-speaking countries in the region.
Examples
Here are a couple of examples utilizing this regional variation:
Speaker A: Creo que deberías contarle a tu hermana sobre el problema.
(I think you should tell your sister about the issue.)Speaker B: ¿Qué quieres decir con eso?
(What do you mean?)
Speaker A: Karen ganó el concurso de baile.
(Karen won the dance contest.)Speaker B: ¿Qué quieres decir?
(What do you mean?)
Wrap Up
Now armed with several ways to ask “What do you mean?” in Spanish, you can confidently seek clarification or express confusion in any conversation. Remember to adapt your language choice based on the formality of the situation, whether using formal or informal phrases. Keep practicing and exploring regional variations to expand your Spanish language skills further. Happy learning!
