Significado
Asking for the meaning of something.
Contexto cultural
The word 'Ya'ni' is the most famous filler word. It's used to stall for time, clarify a point, or just add rhythm to speech. People often say 'Ya'ni?' with a rising intonation to mean 'So what?' or 'And then?' In Egypt, 'Ya'ni' is often paired with 'ya' (O) to express frustration or to emphasize a point. In the Gulf, 'Ya'ni' is used frequently in business to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding contract terms.
Use it to stall
If you don't know how to answer a question, say 'ماذا تعني بـ...؟' to buy yourself 5 seconds to think.
Gender Agreement
Always check if the word you are asking about is feminine (ends in ة). If so, use 'تعني'.
Significado
Asking for the meaning of something.
Use it to stall
If you don't know how to answer a question, say 'ماذا تعني بـ...؟' to buy yourself 5 seconds to think.
Gender Agreement
Always check if the word you are asking about is feminine (ends in ة). If so, use 'تعني'.
The Dialect Shortcut
If you are in a hurry, 'شو يعني؟' works in almost 80% of the Arab world.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the correct verb for a feminine word.
ماذا ____ هذه الكلمة؟
'الكلمة' is feminine, so the verb must start with 'ت'.
Complete the question to ask 'What does this mean?'
____ يعني هذا؟
'ماذا' is the correct interrogative for 'what' when followed by a verb.
Fill in the missing phrase in this casual conversation.
أحمد: أنا مشغول جداً. سارة: ____ مشغول؟
In a casual dialogue between friends, 'شو يعني' is the most natural dialectal choice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are in a library and see a sign you don't understand.
This is the standard way to ask for the meaning of something written or seen.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosماذا ____ هذه الكلمة؟
'الكلمة' is feminine, so the verb must start with 'ت'.
____ يعني هذا؟
'ماذا' is the correct interrogative for 'what' when followed by a verb.
أحمد: أنا مشغول جداً. سارة: ____ مشغول؟
In a casual dialogue between friends, 'شو يعني' is the most natural dialectal choice.
You are in a library and see a sign you don't understand.
This is the standard way to ask for the meaning of something written or seen.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
4 preguntasTechnically yes, but 'ماذا تقصد' (What do you intend) is much more natural when asking a person about their meaning.
No, it is most commonly used as a filler word meaning 'I mean' or 'like'.
'ماذا يعني' is a verb phrase (What does it mean?), while 'ما معنى' is a noun phrase (What is the meaning?). They are interchangeable in most cases.
You say: 'ماذا يعني هذا بالإنجليزية؟' (Mādhā ya‘nī hādhā bi-l-inglīziyya?).
Frases relacionadas
ما معنى؟
synonymWhat is the meaning of...?
ماذا تقصد؟
similarWhat do you mean/intend?
كيف أقول...؟
builds onHow do I say...?
أي أن...
specialized formWhich means that...
