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A2 noun 8 دقيقة للقراءة

quer dizer

أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح quer dizer في 30 ثانية
الشرح quer dizer in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'quer dizer' as a simple way to ask for the meaning of words you don't know. It is a vital 'survival phrase'. When you hear a new Portuguese word, you can ask 'O que quer dizer?' while pointing at an object or a written word. You can also use it to give simple definitions, like 'Cão quer dizer dog'. At this stage, don't worry about complex grammar; just use it as a fixed phrase to connect words and their meanings. It helps you stay in the language without reverting to English too quickly. Practice saying it clearly so people know you are asking for help. It is your best friend when you are lost in a conversation. Remember that 'quer' comes from 'querer' (to want) and 'dizer' means 'to say', so you are literally asking what the word 'wants to say' to the world.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
At the A2 level, you can start using 'quer dizer' to correct yourself during a conversation. This is a sign of growing fluency. If you say the wrong number or the wrong day of the week, you can quickly say 'quer dizer' and provide the correct information. For example, 'Vou na terça, quer dizer, na quarta'. You also begin to understand it when others use it to simplify their speech for you. You should be able to recognize it as a signal that a clarification is coming. It's also useful for basic logical connections, like 'Está frio, quer dizer que preciso de um casaco'. Start noticing how native speakers use it as a 'filler' word to keep the flow of conversation going while they think. This will help you sound more natural and less like you are reading from a textbook.
By B1, you should be using 'quer dizer' to explain more abstract concepts and to nuance your opinions. Instead of just defining nouns, you can use it to explain your feelings or complex situations. 'Estou feliz, quer dizer, um pouco nervoso também'. You should also begin to distinguish between 'quer dizer' and its more formal cousins like 'ou seja'. Use 'quer dizer' in informal chats and 'ou seja' in more formal writing or presentations. You can also use it to interpret what someone else has said: 'Então, quer dizer que você não concorda?'. This shows you are actively listening and processing information in Portuguese. At this level, you should also be comfortable with the pronunciation, including the common reduction of the final 'r' in casual Brazilian Portuguese or the closed 'e' in European Portuguese.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
At the B2 level, 'quer dizer' becomes a tool for sophisticated discourse. You can use it to frame arguments and to provide 'rebuttals' to your own points, showing a balanced perspective. For example, 'A tecnologia é ótima, quer dizer, até certo ponto'. You are now aware of the subtle difference between 'quer dizer' and 'significa'. You know that 'significa' is often for objective meanings, while 'quer dizer' is for subjective intent or conversational clarification. You can use the phrase to manage the 'floor' in a discussion, using it to pivot between ideas. You should also be able to identify when someone is using 'quer dizer' to avoid giving a direct answer or to soften a difficult truth, which is a key part of cultural fluency and understanding subtext in Portuguese-speaking societies.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
At the C1 level, you use 'quer dizer' with the nuance of a native speaker. You understand its role as a pragmatic marker that goes beyond simple definition. You can use it to express irony, hesitation, or to introduce a summary of a long, complex argument. You might use it in the middle of a long sentence to recalibrate your entire point: 'A política externa do país, que sempre foi pautada pelo diálogo, quer dizer, pelo menos na teoria, parece estar mudando'. Here, the 'quer dizer' adds a layer of critical commentary. You are also proficient in using all its synonyms (isto é, ou seja, por outras palavras) to vary your style in high-level academic or professional contexts. You understand the historical evolution of the phrase and how it functions as a lexicalized unit in the language's grammar.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
At the C2 level, 'quer dizer' is part of your intuitive linguistic repertoire. You can manipulate its placement and intonation to convey subtle shades of meaning that are difficult to translate. You might use it in literary analysis or complex legal discussions to parse the 'intent' of a text versus its literal 'meaning'. You recognize it in classical literature and modern slang alike, understanding how its frequency and function have shifted over time. You can use it to mirror the speech patterns of different social classes or regions for stylistic effect. Your use of the phrase is so natural that it no longer feels like a 'tool' you are using, but a natural extension of your thought process in Portuguese. You can also explain its complex pragmatic functions to other learners, demonstrating a deep meta-linguistic awareness.
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل
أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

quer dizer في 30 ثانية

  • An essential Portuguese phrase meaning 'it means' or 'I mean'.
  • Used to clarify, correct oneself, or ask for the definition of words.
  • Very common in both formal and informal spoken and written Portuguese.
  • Acts as a discourse marker to link ideas and explain implications.

The Portuguese expression quer dizer is one of the most versatile and indispensable tools in a learner's vocabulary. Literally translated as wants to say, its functional equivalent in English is usually it means, I mean, or that is to say. It acts as a bridge between a concept and its explanation, or as a pivot point when a speaker realizes they need to clarify or correct what they just said. Whether you are navigating a complex philosophical debate or simply trying to order the right type of coffee in a busy Lisbon pastelaria, quer dizer serves as your linguistic safety net.

Literal Meaning
The phrase combines the verb querer (to want) in the third person singular with the infinitive dizer (to say). In a literal sense, something wants to say something else.
Functional Meaning
It is primarily used as a discourse marker to introduce a clarification, a definition, or a reformulation of a previous statement.

Ele está atrasado, quer dizer, ele ainda não chegou.

Translation: He is late, I mean, he hasn't arrived yet.

In everyday conversation, the frequency of this phrase cannot be overstated. It is used to define terms: A palavra 'saudade' quer dizer um sentimento de falta (The word 'saudade' means a feeling of missing something). It is also used as a filler when the speaker is searching for the right word, much like how English speakers use I mean... while pausing. This versatility makes it a high-frequency item that helps speech sound more natural and fluid.

O que isso quer dizer exatamente?

Translation: What does that mean exactly?
Clarification
Used to explain a concept in simpler terms or to provide a synonym for a difficult word.

Furthermore, quer dizer can be used to ask for the meaning of something you don't understand. If someone uses a slang term you haven't heard, you can simply point and ask, O que quer dizer isso? (What does that mean?). This makes it an essential survival phrase for any student of the Portuguese language.

Amanhã é feriado, quer dizer, não temos aula.

Using quer dizer correctly involves understanding its two main syntactic roles: as a main verb phrase in a question or definition, and as an adverbial connector in a sentence. When it functions as a verb, it follows the subject (the thing that has a meaning). When it functions as a connector, it usually sits between two clauses, often preceded by a comma.

As a Definitional Verb
Structure: [Subject] + quer dizer + [Meaning]. Example: 'Gato' quer dizer 'cat' em inglês.

Isso quer dizer que você não vem?

Translation: Does that mean you are not coming?

In questions, the word order can shift slightly, but the core remains the same. O que quer dizer esta palavra? is the standard way to ask for a definition. Notice that the subject esta palavra comes after the verb phrase here. This is common in Portuguese questions to keep the focus on the inquiry.

As a Self-Correction Marker
Structure: [Statement A], quer dizer, [Statement B]. Example: Vamos às oito, quer dizer, às nove.

Eu gosto de ler, quer dizer, quando tenho tempo.

One of the most powerful ways to use quer dizer is to introduce a conclusion. If you have just listed several facts, you can use the phrase to summarize the implication. For instance: As lojas estão fechadas e as ruas estão vazias. Quer dizer que é feriado. (The shops are closed and the streets are empty. It means it is a holiday.) This usage is very common in logical reasoning and storytelling.

Não temos dinheiro, quer dizer, não o suficiente para viajar.

Interrogative Use
When asking 'What do you mean?', you say: O que você quer dizer com isso?

You will hear quer dizer in almost every conceivable social setting in the Lusophone world. From the formal halls of a university lecture in Coimbra to the bustling street markets of Rio de Janeiro, this phrase is a staple of spoken Portuguese. It is particularly prevalent in instructional settings where a teacher is explaining a new concept or a parent is correcting a child's understanding of a situation.

In the Classroom
Teachers use it to simplify complex ideas. 'A fotossíntese é o processo... quer dizer, é como as plantas fazem comida.'

O professor disse que a prova será difícil, quer dizer, temos que estudar muito.

In television interviews and podcasts, speakers use quer dizer as a linguistic crutch to buy time while they formulate their next thought. It is much more polite than a simple silence or a grunt. It signals to the listener: 'I am refining my point; stay with me.' In scripted media like soap operas (telenovelas), it is used to heighten tension or clarify plot points for the audience.

Você não gosta dela, quer dizer, você não a conhece bem.

In Business Meetings
Used to clarify terms of a contract or a project goal to ensure everyone is on the same page.

In casual social gatherings, you'll hear friends using it to correct themselves mid-sentence if they exaggerate or get a detail wrong. For example, 'Eu comi dez fatias de pizza, quer dizer, cinco.' It adds a layer of honesty and relatability to the conversation. It is also common in political speeches to soften a harsh statement or to emphasize a specific interpretation of a policy.

A economia está crescendo, quer dizer, para alguns setores.

While quer dizer is a friendly phrase, there are a few pitfalls that English speakers often fall into. The most common mistake is overusing it as a direct translation for I mean in contexts where a different filler would be more appropriate. In English, we use I mean very loosely; in Portuguese, quer dizer usually implies a more specific explanatory intent.

Confusing with 'Significa'
While both mean 'it means', significa is more formal and often used for symbols or logical consequences, whereas quer dizer is more conversational.

Errado: O que você significa com isso? (Wrong for 'What do you mean by that?')

Correto: O que você quer dizer com isso?

Another mistake is forgetting to use the third person singular. Even if you are talking about yourself (I mean), you don't usually say quero dizer unless you are being very emphatic or formal about your intention to speak. In most cases, the idiomatic quer dizer (it wants to say) is the fixed form used as a connector, regardless of the subject.

Não é que eu não queira ir, quer dizer, eu só estou cansado.

Pronunciation Pitfall
Learners often over-pronounce the 'r' at the end of 'quer'. In many dialects, especially in Brazil, the 'r' is very soft or even silent in fast speech.

Lastly, do not confuse quer dizer with querer dizer in the sense of 'wanting to speak'. If you want to say 'I want to speak to you', you say Quero falar com você. Using querer dizer in that context sounds like you are trying to define yourself, which would be very confusing for a native speaker.

Portuguese offers several synonyms for quer dizer, each with its own nuance and level of formality. Understanding these alternatives will help you sound more sophisticated and precise in your communication. While quer dizer is the 'Swiss Army knife' of clarifications, these other phrases are more like specialized tools.

Ou seja
This is perhaps the closest synonym. It means 'or rather' or 'that is'. It is slightly more formal than quer dizer and is very common in academic and professional writing.
Isto é
Meaning 'this is', it is used exactly like the English 'i.e.' to provide a specific definition or clarification. It is quite formal and less common in casual speech.

Ele é um poliglota, ou seja, fala várias línguas.

Comparison: 'Ou seja' sounds more definitive than 'quer dizer'.

Another option is em outras palavras (in other words). This is great for when you feel you have been too technical or confusing and want to start over with a simpler explanation. It is identical in usage to the English equivalent. For a very informal, slang-heavy alternative in Brazil, you might hear tipo or tipo assim, but use these sparingly as they can sound repetitive.

O projeto foi cancelado, em outras palavras, estamos sem trabalho.

Significa que
Use this when you want to point out a direct consequence. 'Nuvens pretas significam que vai chover.'

Finally, there is melhor dizendo (better said). This is specifically for when you want to improve upon a word you just used. It's more precise than quer dizer when your goal is purely linguistic refinement rather than correcting a factual error.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

While English uses 'mean' (from a root meaning 'to intend'), Portuguese uses 'want to say', personifying the words themselves as having desires.

دليل النطق

UK /ˈkɛɾ dʒiˈzeɾ/
US /ˈkɛr dɪˈzeɪr/
The primary stress is on the second syllable of 'dizer' (zer).
يتقافى مع
prazer viver saber trazer fazer comer beber correr
أخطاء شائعة
  • Pronouncing 'quer' like 'queer'.
  • Making the 'z' in 'dizer' too sharp like an 's'.
  • Over-emphasizing the final 'r'.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

الكتابة 2/5

Requires correct punctuation (commas).

التحدث 2/5

Easy to use, but requires correct intonation.

الاستماع 2/5

Can be fast and slightly slurred in casual speech.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

querer dizer o que isso palavra

تعلّم لاحقاً

ou seja isto é significar portanto então

متقدم

reformulação marcador discursivo semântica pragmática
سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

O que quer dizer 'mesa'?

What does 'mesa' mean?

Simple question structure.

2

Isso quer dizer 'sim'?

Does that mean 'yes'?

Using 'isso' as a subject.

3

Quer dizer que você gosta?

Does it mean you like it?

Using 'quer dizer que' to start a question.

4

Maçã quer dizer 'apple'.

Maçã means 'apple'.

Direct definition.

5

O que quer dizer isso?

What does this mean?

General inquiry.

6

Não sei o que quer dizer.

I don't know what it means.

Negative sentence.

7

Quer dizer 'obrigado'.

It means 'thank you'.

Dropping the subject.

8

Livro quer dizer 'book'.

Livro means 'book'.

Vocabulary practice.

1

Vou amanhã, quer dizer, hoje.

I'm going tomorrow, I mean, today.

Self-correction.

2

O céu está escuro, quer dizer que vai chover.

The sky is dark, it means it's going to rain.

Logical consequence.

3

Ela é minha irmã, quer dizer, meia-irmã.

She is my sister, I mean, half-sister.

Clarifying a relationship.

4

O ônibus já passou, quer dizer que estamos atrasados.

The bus already passed, it means we are late.

Drawing a conclusion.

5

Quero um café, quer dizer, um chá.

I want a coffee, I mean, a tea.

Correcting a request.

6

Ele não ligou, quer dizer que esqueceu.

He didn't call, it means he forgot.

Inference.

7

A loja fecha às seis, quer dizer, agora.

The shop closes at six, I mean, now.

Temporal correction.

8

Isso quer dizer que acabou?

Does that mean it's over?

Asking for confirmation.

1

O filme foi bom, quer dizer, a primeira parte foi.

The movie was good, I mean, the first part was.

Nuancing an opinion.

2

Ele é rico, quer dizer, ele tem muito dinheiro mas não tem tempo.

He is rich, I mean, he has a lot of money but no time.

Adding detail.

3

Você quer dizer que eu estou errado?

Do you mean that I am wrong?

Clarifying intent.

4

A viagem foi cansativa, quer dizer, valeu a pena mas foi longa.

The trip was tiring, I mean, it was worth it but long.

Balancing statements.

5

O que você quer dizer com essa cara?

What do you mean with that face?

Interpreting non-verbal cues.

6

Quer dizer, não é que eu não goste, eu só prefiro o outro.

I mean, it's not that I don't like it, I just prefer the other one.

Using as a filler/pivot.

7

Se ele não vem, quer dizer que a festa vai ser menor.

If he isn't coming, it means the party will be smaller.

Hypothetical consequence.

8

A palavra 'gentileza' quer dizer ser bom com os outros.

The word 'gentileza' means being good to others.

Defining abstract nouns.

1

A economia está em recessão, quer dizer que o consumo vai cair.

The economy is in recession, which means consumption will drop.

Formal logical link.

2

Eles ganharam o jogo, quer dizer, por sorte.

They won the game, I mean, by luck.

Introducing a qualifier.

3

O que o autor quer dizer com essa metáfora?

What does the author mean with this metaphor?

Literary analysis.

4

Não é um adeus, quer dizer, é só um até logo.

It's not a goodbye, I mean, it's just a see you later.

Softening a statement.

5

A nova lei, quer dizer, a proposta de lei, ainda está em debate.

The new law, I mean, the bill, is still under debate.

Precise correction.

6

Quer dizer que você sabia de tudo o tempo todo?

Does it mean you knew everything all along?

Expressing surprise/accusation.

7

O sucesso demora, quer dizer, requer muita persistência.

Success takes time, I mean, it requires a lot of persistence.

Expanding an idea.

8

Ele é muito direto, quer dizer, às vezes ele é um pouco rude.

He is very direct, I mean, sometimes he is a bit rude.

Euphemism usage.

1

A reforma, quer dizer, o arremedo de reforma que fizeram, não resolveu nada.

The reform, I mean, the mockery of a reform they did, solved nothing.

Using for irony/criticism.

2

Isso quer dizer, em última análise, que a soberania está em risco.

This means, in the final analysis, that sovereignty is at risk.

Complex adverbial insertion.

3

Não quer dizer que eu concorde com ele, apenas entendo seu ponto.

It doesn't mean I agree with him, I just understand his point.

Subjunctive mood implication (concorde).

4

O que se quer dizer com 'justiça social' varia muito hoje em dia.

What is meant by 'social justice' varies a lot nowadays.

Passive voice construction (se quer).

5

Quer dizer, se formos analisar os dados friamente, o projeto falhou.

I mean, if we analyze the data coldly, the project failed.

Conditional clause integration.

6

Ele é um gênio, quer dizer, no sentido mais estrito da palavra.

He is a genius, I mean, in the strictest sense of the word.

Strict definition marker.

7

A liberdade, quer dizer, a ilusão de liberdade, é o que nos move.

Freedom, I mean, the illusion of freedom, is what moves us.

Philosophical nuance.

8

Dizer que ele é 'difícil' é pouco, quer dizer, ele é impossível.

Saying he is 'difficult' is an understatement, I mean, he is impossible.

Hyperbolic correction.

1

O texto é ambíguo, quer dizer, ele se presta a múltiplas interpretações.

The text is ambiguous, that is to say, it lends itself to multiple interpretations.

High-level academic style.

2

Não quer dizer, absolutamente, que a empresa esteja falindo.

It does not mean, absolutely, that the company is going bankrupt.

Emphatic negation.

3

O que o silêncio quer dizer em certas culturas é fascinante.

What silence means in certain cultures is fascinating.

Abstract subject.

4

Quer dizer, para não dizer outra coisa, que ele foi irresponsável.

It means, to say nothing else, that he was irresponsible.

Idiomatic insertion for emphasis.

5

Isso quer dizer que o paradigma mudou irrevogavelmente.

This means that the paradigm has shifted irrevocably.

Advanced vocabulary (paradigmas, irrevogavelmente).

6

A arte não quer dizer nada, ela apenas é.

Art doesn't mean anything, it just is.

Existential statement.

7

Quer dizer, se é que me faço entender, que a situação é grave.

I mean, if I'm making myself understood, that the situation is grave.

Parenthetical clause (se é que...).

8

A palavra em si não quer dizer nada fora de contexto.

The word itself means nothing out of context.

Linguistic analysis.

تلازمات شائعة

O que quer dizer?
Não quer dizer que...
Isso quer dizer que...
Quer dizer, na verdade...
Sem querer dizer que...
Sabe o que quer dizer?
O autor quer dizer...
Quer dizer, pelo menos...
Tudo isso quer dizer...
O que você quer dizer com isso?

العبارات الشائعة

Quer dizer...

— Used as a pause or to start a correction.

Eu ia ligar... quer dizer, eu esqueci.

O que quer dizer isso?

— Asking for the meaning of an object or situation.

O que quer dizer isso no chão?

Isso não quer dizer nada.

— That doesn't mean anything/is irrelevant.

Ele sorriu, mas isso não quer dizer nada.

Quer dizer que sim?

— Does that mean yes?

Você balançou a cabeça. Quer dizer que sim?

Se quer dizer...

— If it means...

Se quer dizer que vamos ganhar, eu aceito.

Não é o que eu quis dizer.

— That is not what I meant.

Desculpe, não é o que eu quis dizer.

O que você quer dizer?

— What do you mean?

Não entendi sua piada. O que você quer dizer?

Quer dizer, em partes.

— I mean, partially.

Você concorda? Quer dizer, em partes.

Tanto quer dizer...

— It means so much...

Tanto quer dizer esse gesto para mim.

Quer dizer, você sabe.

— I mean, you know.

Ele é difícil, quer dizer, você sabe como ele é.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Sem querer dizer nada"

— Without wanting to imply anything (often used before a criticism).

Sem querer dizer nada, mas seu carro está sujo.

Informal
"Querer dizer o mundo"

— To mean the world to someone.

Esse presente quer dizer o mundo para ela.

Emotional
"Dizer o que quer"

— To speak one's mind without filters.

Ele sempre diz o que quer, sem pensar.

Neutral
"Quer dizer, né?"

— A filler phrase used to seek agreement.

A vida é difícil, quer dizer, né?

Slang/Informal
"Não quer dizer bosta nenhuma"

— Means absolutely nothing (vulgar).

O que ele falou não quer dizer bosta nenhuma.

Vulgar
"O que os olhos não veem, o coração não sente"

— What the eyes don't see, the heart doesn't feel (idiom involving 'to see' but often explained with 'quer dizer').

Isso quer dizer que se você não sabe, não sofre.

Proverbial
"Quer dizer, salve-se quem puder"

— It means every man for himself.

A empresa faliu. Quer dizer, salve-se quem puder.

Informal
"Dizer e não dizer"

— To be vague or ambiguous.

Ele ficou naquele dizer e não dizer o tempo todo.

Literary
"Quer dizer, ponto final"

— That's what it means, end of story.

Ele não vem. Quer dizer, ponto final.

Emphatic
"O que isso quer dizer na prática?"

— What does this mean in practical terms?

Bonito no papel, mas o que quer dizer na prática?

Professional

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

dito
dizeres
querer

الأفعال

querer
dizer
predizer
contradizer

الصفات

dito
querido
indizível

مرتبط

significado
sentido
explicação
definição
ou seja
سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a word 'wanting' (quer) to 'say' (dizer) its secret meaning to you.

ربط بصري

Imagine a word with a little mouth and a speech bubble, 'wanting' to tell you what it is.

Word Web

significa explica ou seja isto é definição sentido clareza fala

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'quer dizer' three times in your next conversation to correct a small mistake.

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Latin 'quaerere' (to seek/want) and 'dicere' (to say). The combination evolved in Old Portuguese as a way to express the 'intent' of a word.

المعنى الأصلي: Literally 'to seek to say' or 'to intend to express'.

Romance (Indo-European).

السياق الثقافي

Be careful not to use it to sound patronizing when explaining things to others.

English speakers use 'I mean' much more frequently as a pure filler (like 'um'). In Portuguese, 'quer dizer' usually carries more semantic weight.

Used frequently in the lyrics of Chico Buarque to add layers of meaning. Commonly found in the philosophical prose of Fernando Pessoa. A staple phrase in Brazilian 'Crônicas' (short social commentaries).

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Learning Language

  • O que quer dizer isso?
  • Como se diz...?
  • Quer dizer 'dog'?
  • Não entendi o que quer dizer.

Correcting Yourself

  • Vou amanhã, quer dizer, hoje.
  • Dez reais, quer dizer, doze.
  • Ela é médica, quer dizer, enfermeira.
  • Moro em Lisboa, quer dizer, perto de Lisboa.

Arguments

  • O que você quer dizer com isso?
  • Isso não quer dizer nada!
  • Quer dizer que eu estou mentindo?
  • Não foi isso que eu quis dizer.

Logic/Conclusions

  • Isso quer dizer que vencemos.
  • Quer dizer que o plano falhou.
  • Luz vermelha quer dizer pare.
  • Se ele não ligou, quer dizer que não vem.

Clarifying Concepts

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات

محتوى ذو صلة

هل كان هذا مفيداً؟

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