Learning a new language opens up a world of opportunities and understanding. If you’re exploring the Spanish language, it’s essential to know how to express certain phrases and questions. One commonly asked question is, “What does it mean?” Here, we will help you learn how to say this phrase in both formal and informal settings, with some tips, examples, and even a few regional variations thrown in.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Does It Mean?”
In more formal or polite situations, it’s important to use phrases that convey respect and maintain a proper tone. Here are a few ways to ask “What does it mean?” formally:
- ¿Qué significa? – This is a straightforward and commonly used way to ask the meaning of something in Spanish. It can be used in any situation and is widely understood.
- ¿Cuál es el significado? – This phrase translates to “What is the meaning?” and is another polite way to inquire about the meaning of something.
- ¿Me podría decir qué significa? – A more polite version of the question, it translates to “Could you tell me what it means?” This form shows an additional level of respect and can be used when speaking to someone in a higher position or authority.
Tip: When asking for the meaning of a specific word, you can replace “qué” (what) with the actual word you want to understand. For example, “¿Qué significa ‘casa’?” means “What does ‘casa’ mean?”
Informal Ways to Say “What Does It Mean?”
In more relaxed or informal situations, you can use different phrases to ask the same question in a more casual manner. Here are some informal ways to say “What does it mean?” in Spanish:
- ¿Qué quiere decir? – This is an informal way to ask for the meaning of something. It can be used among friends, peers, or in informal settings.
- ¿Qué significa eso? – Translating to “What does that mean?” this phrase is commonly used in casual conversations to seek clarification or to understand a slang term.
- ¿Me puedes decir qué significa? – This is a friendly and informal way to ask someone to explain the meaning of something. It translates to “Can you tell me what it means?”
Regional Variations
The Spanish language varies across regions, and there may be subtle differences in how people ask “What does it mean?” Let’s take a look at a couple of regional variations:
Variation 1: Spain
In Spain, instead of saying “Qué significa,” people might ask:
¿Qué quiere decir? – This variation has a similar meaning to the general formal phrase, but it’s more commonly used in Spain.
Variation 2: Latin America
In Latin America, the following phrase is often used:
¿Qué es lo que significa? – This is a variation of the formal phrase mentioned earlier. It translates to “What is it that it means?” and is commonly used in various Latin American countries.
Examples
To help solidify your understanding, let’s look at a few examples of how to use these phrases:
- Formal: “¿Qué significa ‘belleza’?” – What does ‘belleza’ mean?
- Informal: “¿Qué quiere decir ‘chido’?” – What does ‘chido’ mean?
- Formal: “¿Me podría decir qué significa ‘amistad’?” – Could you tell me what ‘amistad’ means?
- Informal: “¿Me puedes decir qué significa eso?” – Can you tell me what that means?
Remember, practicing these phrases and asking about meanings will help you expand your vocabulary and understanding of the Spanish language.
As you continue your language journey, don’t be afraid to engage with native speakers, immerse yourself in Spanish media, or utilize language learning tools to enhance your skills.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
