Learning how to ask “What does that mean?” in Italian is a valuable skill that will help you navigate conversations and understand the language more effectively. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express this question, along with some tips, examples, and even a glimpse into regional variations if necessary. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What Does That Mean?”
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking to someone you’re not familiar with, these phrases will come in handy:
1. Cosa significa?
English: What does that mean?
This is the most straightforward and formal way to ask the question. It can be used in any situation and is easily understood by everyone.
2. Potrebbe spiegarmi cosa significa?
English: Could you explain what that means?
If you want to sound more polite and respectful, using “Potrebbe spiegarmi” (Could you explain to me?) before “cosa significa” is a good option. This phrase shows your willingness to receive a detailed explanation.
3. Sarebbe così gentile da spiegarmi cosa significa?
English: Would you be so kind as to explain what that means?
This is an extremely polite way to ask someone to explain the meaning of something. It shows great respect and is suitable for formal situations where you want to emphasize your courteousness.
Informal Ways to Say “What Does That Mean?”
When interacting with friends, family, or in casual conversations, you can use these more relaxed phrases:
1. Cosa vuol dire?
English: What does that mean?
This is the common informal way to ask the question. It can be used in various situations and is widely understood.
2. Puoi spiegarmi cosa vuol dire?
English: Can you explain what that means?
If you want to soften the question slightly, you can use “Puoi” (Can you) before “spiegarmi” (explain to me). This adds a friendly touch to the conversation.
3. Che significa?
English: What does it mean?
This phrase is often used in casual conversations among friends and peers. It’s straightforward and widely used in Italian-speaking regions.
Tips and Examples
1. Pay Attention to Context
Understanding the context of a conversation can be helpful when asking the meaning of something. It allows the other person to provide a more precise explanation. For example:
Context: You’re discussing a challenging word with a friend.\ You: Scusa, che significa “melodramma”? (Excuse me, what does “melodramma” mean?) Friend: È un genere teatrale che combina elementi tragici e romantici. (It’s a theatrical genre that combines tragic and romantic elements.)
2. Provide Contextual Examples
When asking for a meaning, including a contextual example can make it easier for the other person to explain. Let’s consider an example:
Context: Your Italian friend mentioned the word “meriggiare” in a poem but you are not familiar with it. You: Mi puoi dare una definizione di “meriggiare”? Magari un esempio del poemetto? (Can you give me a definition of “meriggiare”? Perhaps an example from the poem?) Friend: Certamente! “Meriggiare pallido e assorto” è l’inizio di una famosa poesia di Eugenio Montale. (Certainly! “Meriggiare pallido e assorto” is the opening line of a famous poem by Eugenio Montale.)
3. Ask for Clarification
If you don’t fully understand the explanation, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for further clarification. Here’s an example:
Context: You’ve been given an explanation, but there’s still some confusion. You: Scusa, non ho capito bene. Puoi ripetere o spiegare in modo diverso? (Sorry, I didn’t understand well. Could you repeat or explain differently?) Speaker: Certamente, posso provare a spiegarti in modo diverso. (Certainly, I can try to explain it differently.)
Regional Variations
The Italian language has some regional variations, but when asking “What does that mean?” these variations play a minimal role. However, keep in mind that there might be slight differences in pronunciation and vocabulary depending on the region you’re in. Nonetheless, the phrases mentioned earlier will be widely understood throughout Italy.
Conclusion
Knowing how to ask “What does that mean?” in Italian, both formally and informally, will enhance your language learning experience and facilitate communication with native speakers. Remember to adapt your choice of phrase according to the formality of the situation. By paying attention to context, providing examples, and seeking clarification when necessary, you’ll deepen your understanding of the Italian language. Buon lavoro! (Good job!)
