a qué te refieres
/a ke te ɾefjeɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "what you mean" is translated into Spanish as a qué te refieres.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase a qué te refieres literally translates to "to what you refer".
Which one should you use?
While a qué te refieres focuses on the subject or reference of the statement, ¿Qué quieres decir? is a common alternative that focuses more on the literal words or the intent of the speaker.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use a qué se refiere instead of a qué te refieres when speaking to someone formally or using the usted form. Use a qué se refieren when asking what a group of people means.
How do you pronounce it?
/a ke te ɾefjeɾes/
Did you know?
- The word qué in this phrase comes from the Latin 'quid', which is also the root of the English word 'quid pro quo'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, asking a qué te refieres too abruptly can be perceived as defensive or confrontational depending on the tone.
- While a qué te refieres is a question, it is often used as a gentle way to prompt someone to elaborate rather than a sign that you are actually confused.
Examples in context
- No sé a qué te refieres.I don't know what you mean.Tatoeba #6624036 by UsuarioX, translation #1408 by CK
- No tengo ni idea de a qué te refieres.I have no idea what you mean.Tatoeba #3575330 by ficion, translation #17417 by CK
- Me gustaría realizar una reserva en el hotel para dos personas y dos noches.I would like to make a reservation at the hotel for two people and two nights.
- ¿A qué te refieres con ese comentario?What do you mean by that comment?
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing a plan for the weekend.
- MaríaTenemos que cambiar los planes.We have to change the plans.
- Daniel¿A qué te refieres, María?What do you mean, María?
- MaríaEl restaurante está cerrado mañana.The restaurant is closed tomorrow.
- DanielAh, entonces busquemos otro lugar.Oh, then let's look for another place.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, qué, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
