What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "what is it that that wants to say?" because the French verb vouloir dire (to want to say) is used to express the concept of "to mean."
Which one should you use?
While qu'est-ce que ça veut dire ? is a standard way to ask the question, you may encounter other forms depending on the setting. ça veut dire quoi ? is a common casual variation, while Qu'est-ce que cela signifie? and Pouvez-vous me dire ce que cela signifie? are more formal alternatives.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For casual, everyday spoken French, you can use ça veut dire quoi ?, which places the question word at the end. In formal settings, use Qu'est-ce que cela signifie? or the more polite Pouvez-vous me dire ce que cela signifie? (Could you tell me what that means?).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the impersonal ça (that/it) to refer to the concept or word being questioned rather than using a specific noun.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb signifier in casual conversation to mean "to mean". Instead, use vouloir dire to sound more natural when asking for a definition.
Did you know?
- The verb dire in qu'est-ce que ça veut dire ? comes from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to show' or 'point out'.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, mais je ne comprends pas cette référence. Qu'est-ce que cela signifie exactement?Excuse me, but I don't understand this reference. What does that mean exactly?
- J'ai entendu ce mot plusieurs fois, mais je ne sais pas ce que ça veut dire. Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire exactement?I've heard this word several times, but I don't know what it means. What does that mean exactly?
- Pardon, qu'est-ce que ça veut dire ?Excuse me, what does that mean?
- Je ne comprends pas, qu'est-ce que ça veut dire ?I don't understand, what does that mean?
Example conversation
Manon is learning a new word from Nathan.
- ManonC'est une situation très insolite.It's a very unusual situation.
- NathanInsolite ? Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire ?Unusual? What does that mean?
- ManonÇa veut dire que c'est bizarre.It means that it's strange.
- NathanD'accord, je comprends maintenant.Okay, I understand now.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dire, que, ça, CC BY-SA 4.0.
