Learning how to express “What do you mean?” in Spanish is essential for effective communication. Whether you are engaging in conversation with native Spanish speakers or learning the language, understanding the different ways to convey this question is vital. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal expressions, providing you with useful tips, examples, and occasional regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What do you mean?”
When addressing someone formally or in a professional setting, it is important to use a respectful tone. Here are a few ways to ask “What do you mean?” formally:
1. ¿Qué quiere decir?
Literal Translation: “What do you want to say?”
This is a polite and straightforward way to inquire about the meaning of something when speaking with someone respectfully. Use this expression when engaging with authority figures, clients, or people you have just met.
Example:
I’m sorry, I didn’t understand. ¿Qué quiere decir con eso? (What do you mean by that?)
2. ¿En qué sentido lo dices?
Literal Translation: “In what sense do you say it?”
This is a slightly more formal way to ask for clarification. It implies that you want the person to explain their statement more thoroughly or from a specific perspective.
Example:
Could you please elaborate? ¿En qué sentido lo dices? (In what sense do you say it?)
Informal Ways to Say “What do you mean?”
When talking to friends, family, or in informal situations, you can adopt a more casual tone. Here are a couple of expressions you can use:
1. ¿Qué quieres decir?
Literal Translation: “What do you want to say?”
This form is commonly used among friends, and it’s a straightforward way to ask for clarification in an informal context.
Example:
I don’t understand your point. ¿Qué quieres decir? (What do you mean?)
2. ¿Cómo así?
Literal Translation: “How so?”
This phrase is commonly used in informal conversations, and it expresses surprise or confusion, inviting the speaker to provide further explanation.
Example:
Wait, I don’t get it. ¿Cómo así? (How so?)
Regional Variations
The Spanish language is rich in regional variations, and you may come across different expressions for “What do you mean?” depending on the country or region. However, the phrases mentioned earlier are widely understood across the Spanish-speaking world. Still, it’s worth noting some local variations:
1. ¿Qué dices?
Literal Translation: “What are you saying?”
This expression is commonly used in some Latin American countries like Mexico and Venezuela. It has a similar meaning to “What do you mean?” and can be used formally or informally.
Example:
I don’t follow your point. ¿Qué dices? (What do you mean?)
2. ¿Qué estás queriendo decir?
Literal Translation: “What are you trying to say?”
This phrase is frequently used in Argentina and parts of South America. It conveys the same meaning as the previous expressions and can be employed in various contexts.
Example:
I’m sorry, I’m not getting it. ¿Qué estás queriendo decir? (What do you mean?)
Tips for Effective Communication
When asking someone what they mean in Spanish, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be polite and use the appropriate level of formality based on the situation.
- Pay attention to the context to understand the intention behind the question.
- Use body language and facial expressions to convey your genuine interest in understanding.
- Listen actively to the speaker, giving them the opportunity to explain themselves fully.
- If needed, ask follow-up questions to seek further clarification.
By employing these tips, you’ll enhance your communication skills and foster meaningful conversations in Spanish.
Remember, learning a language is a journey, and mistakes are part of the process. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or to ask someone to repeat themselves if you don’t understand. Native Spanish speakers are usually patient and willing to help you improve. So, embrace the challenge, practice regularly, and soon enough, you’ll confidently navigate conversations in Spanish!
