quieres decir
/kjeɾes deθiɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you mean" is translated into Spanish as quieres decir.
This phrase is used when you want to ask for clarification or to confirm the meaning of something someone has just said.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, quieres decir translates to "you want to say", as it is composed of the verb querer (to want) and decir (to say).
Which one should you use?
While quieres decir refers to the second-person singular "you mean", the third-person singular form quiere decir is used to express "it means" or "that means".
How does it change in a sentence?
To turn this into a question to confirm meaning, such as "Do you mean…?", you can simply add question marks or use rising intonation. Spanish does not require an auxiliary verb like "do" for this purpose. Additionally, the third-person singular form quiere decir is used for the meaning "it means" or "that means".
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾes deθiɾ/
Did you know?
- While quieres decir is common, Spanish speakers often use the phrase o sea as a conversational filler to mean 'I mean' or 'in other words'. It is so frequent that it often functions like the English 'like' or 'um' during a sentence.
- Spanish separates the act of asking what a person 'means' quieres decir from asking what a word 'signifies' qué significa, using two entirely different verbs.
- The verb decir in the phrase quieres decir is historically linked to the act of physical pointing. It originates from an ancient root that meant 'to show' or 'to point out' rather than just to speak.
Examples in context
- Veo qué quieres decir.I can see what you mean.This sentence shows how to use quieres decir to express understanding.Tatoeba #1503297 by marcelostockle, translation #1108105 by nata23
- Dime qué quieres decir.Tell me what you mean.This sentence uses quieres decir to ask someone to explain their meaning.Tatoeba #9033312 by Shishir, translation #71495 by CK
- No sé qué quieres decir.I don't know what you mean.This sentence uses quieres decir to express a lack of understanding.Tatoeba #2613 by Shishir, translation #1408 by CK
- Usted significa mucho para mí.You mean a lot to me.
- 35 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- Alejandro¿Quieres decir que prefieres quedarte en casa?Do you mean you prefer to stay at home?
- ElenaSí, estoy muy cansada hoy.Yes, I am very tired today.
- AlejandroEntiendo, no hay problema.I understand, no problem.
- ElenaGracias por comprenderlo, Alejandro.Thanks for understanding, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries decir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
