significare en 30 secondes
- Significare: to mean, to signify, to represent.
- Used for words, symbols, actions, events.
- Key verb for expressing meaning and importance.
- Conjugates like regular -are verbs.
- Core Meaning
- The Italian verb 'significare' is a fundamental word that translates directly to 'to mean' or 'to signify' in English. It's used to express the meaning, importance, or implication of something. Think of it as the Italian equivalent of asking 'What does this mean?' or stating 'This means that...'.
- Versatility
- 'Significare' is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide range of contexts, from everyday conversations to more formal discussions. You'll encounter it when discussing the meaning of words, the significance of events, the implications of actions, or even the purpose of something.
- Synonymous Ideas
- At its heart, 'significare' is about conveying understanding. It bridges the gap between a symbol, word, or action and the concept or idea it represents. It's about making something understood, clarifying its essence, or highlighting its importance. It’s about the transfer of meaning.
What does this significare?
This gesture can significare many things.
The red light significa stop.
- Abstract Concepts
- 'Significare' is also used for abstract concepts. For example, a particular action might 'significare' a change in attitude, or a national holiday might 'significare' freedom and independence. It's about the deeper implications and what something represents beyond its surface.
- Symbolism
- In art, literature, or even everyday symbols, 'significare' helps explain what they stand for. A dove might 'significare' peace, or a particular color might 'significare' a certain emotion. It's the link between the visual or conceptual and its interpretation.
This symbol significa danger.
- Basic Structure
- The most common structure is Subject + 'significare' + Object/Meaning. For example, 'La parola 'casa' significa 'house'.' (The word 'casa' means 'house'). You can also use it with indirect objects: 'Questo per me significa molto.' (This means a lot to me.)
- Third Person Singular
- The third person singular form, 'significa', is extremely common because it's often used when talking about what a word, symbol, or action means. For instance, 'Il silenzio significa assenso.' (Silence means assent.)
- Third Person Plural
- The third person plural, 'significano', is used when multiple things are being discussed. For example, 'Questi colori significano gioia e festa.' (These colors mean joy and celebration.)
Cosa significa questa parola difficile?
Il tuo aiuto significa molto per me.
- Impersonal 'Si'
- You can also use the impersonal 'si' construction: 'In Italia, il caffè si beve spesso al mattino.' (In Italy, coffee is often drunk in the morning - implying 'coffee signifies the morning ritual'). This is more advanced, but it shows how 'significare' can be implied.
- Figurative Language
- 'Significare' is also used in figurative language. For example, 'Quel sogno significava un cambiamento imminente.' (That dream signified an imminent change.) Here, it's not literal meaning but symbolic representation.
Le stelle significano speranza per i marinai.
- Everyday Conversations
- You'll hear 'significare' constantly in daily life. Imagine friends discussing a new movie: 'Cosa significa quel finale?' (What does that ending mean?). Or someone asking about a gesture: 'Questo gesto cosa significa?' (What does this gesture mean?). It's a go-to verb for seeking or giving clarification.
- Educational Settings
- In classrooms, teachers frequently use 'significare' when explaining vocabulary or concepts. 'Questa parola significa questo,' (This word means this,) or 'Questo evento significò un punto di svolta.' (This event signified a turning point.) It's essential for language learning and understanding.
- News and Media
- News reports often use 'significare' to explain the implications of events. For example, 'Le nuove leggi significano maggiori controlli.' (The new laws mean greater controls.) Or discussing economic news: 'Questo dato significa una possibile recessione.' (This data signifies a possible recession.)
Il giornalista ha detto che il calo delle vendite significa problemi.
La maestra ha spiegato cosa significa 'floreale'.
- Cultural Discussions
- When Italians discuss art, history, or traditions, 'significare' is key. They might talk about what a particular symbol in a painting signifies, or what a historical event came to signify for the nation.
- Personal Reflections
- People use it to express personal understanding or significance. 'Questo viaggio ha significato molto per me, mi ha cambiato la vita.' (This trip meant a lot to me, it changed my life.)
Il pittore ha spiegato cosa significavano i suoi colori.
- Confusing with 'Sembrare'
- Learners sometimes confuse 'significare' (to mean, to signify) with 'sembrare' (to seem, to appear). 'Sembrare' is about appearance or impression, while 'significare' is about actual meaning or representation. For example, 'Lei sembra stanca' (She seems tired) is different from 'La sua stanchezza significa che ha lavorato molto' (Her tiredness means she worked a lot).
- Incorrect Verb Conjugation
- As a regular -are verb, 'significare' follows predictable conjugation patterns. However, learners might incorrectly conjugate it, especially in the past tenses or with different subjects. Always double-check the endings based on the subject (io, tu, lui/lei, noi, voi, loro).
- Overuse of 'Cosa'
- While 'Cosa significa?' (What does it mean?) is perfectly fine, sometimes learners might overuse 'cosa' when a more direct subject is implied or when asking about the meaning of a specific word. For instance, instead of 'Cosa significa 'felicità'?', a more natural phrasing when the context is clear might be just asking about the word itself or using a different structure.
Mistake: Lei sembra cosa significa questo.
Correct: Lei non capisce cosa significa questo.
- Using 'Significato' Incorrectly
- 'Significato' is the noun form (meaning). Learners might sometimes use the verb form where the noun is needed, or vice versa. For example, saying 'Il suo significato è importante' (Its meaning is important) is correct, but using 'Il suo significare è importante' would be grammatically incorrect.
- Ignoring Context
- Sometimes, the exact nuance of 'significare' can be missed if context isn't considered. It can mean 'to represent', 'to imply', 'to stand for', or simply 'to mean'. Relying on a single English translation can lead to awkward or incorrect usage in specific situations.
Mistake: La frase significa il suo cuore.
Correct: La frase significa amore.
- Volere dire
- 'Volere dire' is a very common and often interchangeable alternative to 'significare', especially in spoken Italian. It literally means 'to want to say', but it functions as 'to mean'. Example: 'Cosa vuoi dire con questo?' (What do you mean by this?) vs. 'Cosa significa questo?' (What does this mean?). Both are generally acceptable, though 'significare' can sometimes feel slightly more formal or precise.
- Rappresentare
- 'Rappresentare' means 'to represent' and is a good alternative when 'significare' is used to indicate that something stands for something else, often symbolically or visually. Example: 'Il leone rappresenta il coraggio.' (The lion represents courage.) This is very close to 'Il leone significa coraggio.' where 'significa' implies representation.
- Indicare
- 'Indicare' means 'to indicate' or 'to point out'. It can be used when something suggests or points towards a meaning or conclusion. Example: 'I dati indicano una tendenza al rialzo.' (The data indicates a rising trend.) This is similar to saying 'I dati significano una tendenza al rialzo,' but 'indicare' focuses more on the suggestive aspect.
Alternativa 1: Cosa vuoi dire con questo?
Alternativa 2: Il colore rosso rappresenta pericolo.
- Implicare
- 'Implicare' means 'to imply' or 'to involve'. It's used when something suggests a consequence or an underlying meaning without stating it directly. Example: 'La sua risposta implicava un rifiuto.' (His answer implied a refusal.) This is a bit different from 'significare', as 'implicare' focuses on suggestion rather than direct meaning.
- Significato (Noun)
- Don't forget the noun form, 'significato', which means 'meaning'. This is crucial for asking 'Qual è il significato di questa parola?' (What is the meaning of this word?). It's the direct noun counterpart to the verb 'significare'.
Alternativa 3: Il suo silenzio implicava disaccordo.
Il significato di questa parola è complesso.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
The root 'signum' (sign) is present in many English words related to signs and indications, such as 'signal', 'signature', 'assign', and 'design'. This connection highlights the fundamental concept of 'marking' or 'indicating' that underlies 'significare'.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing 'gn' as a simple 'n' sound.
- Misplacing the stress, e.g., on the 'ca' syllable.
- Not clearly articulating the double 'n' sound in 'signi-ficare'.
Niveau de difficulté
At the A2 level, learners will encounter 'significare' frequently in simple declarative sentences and questions about meaning. Understanding its basic function is key. The complexity arises when it's used in more abstract contexts or with figurative language, pushing it towards B1.
Beginners can use 'significare' to define words or state simple meanings. Producing nuanced sentences that capture deeper implications requires more advanced vocabulary and grammatical structures.
Asking 'Cosa significa?' is a common and useful phrase for beginners. Using 'significare' to explain one's own thoughts or feelings requires more confidence and practice.
Recognizing 'significare' in spoken Italian is straightforward due to its commonality. Comprehending its precise meaning depends on the context and the speaker's intent.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Conjugation of regular -are verbs.
'Significare' follows the pattern of verbs like 'parlare' (to speak) and 'mangiare' (to eat). For example, 'io parlo', 'tu parli', 'lui/lei parla', 'noi parliamo', 'voi parlate', 'loro parlano'. So, 'io significo', 'tu significhi', 'lui/lei significa', etc.
Using the infinitive after prepositions or modal verbs.
Voglio significare la mia gratitudine. (I want to signify my gratitude.) Voglio imparare cosa significa questa parola. (I want to learn what this word means.)
Use of 'che' to introduce subordinate clauses explaining meaning.
Mi ha detto che significa un problema. (He told me that it means a problem.)
The noun form 'significato'.
Il significato della vita è un mistero. (The meaning of life is a mystery.)
The adjective 'significativo'.
È stato un momento significativo per la nostra azienda. (It was a significant moment for our company.)
Exemples par niveau
Questo significa 'sì'.
This means 'yes'.
Simple statement of meaning.
La luce rossa significa 'stop'.
The red light means 'stop'.
Using 'significa' with a concrete object and its meaning.
Io non capisco cosa significa.
I don't understand what it means.
Expressing lack of understanding.
Il tuo nome significa 'guerriero'.
Your name means 'warrior'.
Explaining the meaning of a name.
Questo significa 'casa'.
This means 'house'.
Defining a basic noun.
La parola 'sole' significa 'sun'.
The word 'sole' means 'sun'.
Defining a common word.
Cosa significa questa parola?
What does this word mean?
Asking for the meaning of a word.
Questo significa 'felicità'.
This means 'happiness'.
Defining an abstract noun.
Il tuo aiuto significa molto per me.
Your help means a lot to me.
Expressing the importance of something to oneself.
Cosa significa questo gesto?
What does this gesture mean?
Inquiring about the meaning of a non-verbal cue.
La bandiera italiana significa unità.
The Italian flag means unity.
Explaining the symbolic meaning of an object.
Questo significa che dobbiamo partire.
This means that we have to leave.
Stating a consequence or implication.
Il suo sorriso significava approvazione.
Her smile signified approval.
Describing the meaning conveyed by an expression.
Non so cosa significano queste lettere.
I don't know what these letters mean.
Expressing ignorance about the meaning of written symbols.
Questo significa che siamo in ritardo.
This means that we are late.
Stating a realization based on a situation.
La parola 'pace' significa 'peace'.
The word 'pace' means 'peace'.
Translating a word and its meaning.
Le sue parole non significano niente per me.
His words mean nothing to me.
Expressing indifference to the meaning of words.
Questo cambiamento significativo significa un nuovo inizio.
This significant change means a new beginning.
Connecting a significant event to its implication.
Cosa significa veramente essere liberi?
What does it truly mean to be free?
Pondering the deeper meaning of an abstract concept.
Il silenzio in quella situazione significava disaccordo.
The silence in that situation meant disagreement.
Interpreting non-verbal cues in a specific context.
Il numero sette spesso significa buona fortuna.
The number seven often signifies good luck.
Discussing cultural symbolism of numbers.
Non sempre ciò che sembra significa ciò che è.
Not always what it seems means what it is.
Philosophical statement about appearances vs. reality.
L'arte può significare molte cose diverse a persone diverse.
Art can mean many different things to different people.
Acknowledging subjective interpretations.
La sua decisione significò una svolta nella sua carriera.
His decision signified a turning point in his career.
Highlighting a pivotal moment.
La retorica del politico mirava a significare un futuro migliore, ma le azioni non lo confermavano.
The politician's rhetoric aimed to signify a better future, but the actions did not confirm it.
Analyzing the gap between words and deeds.
Il simbolismo della croce cristiana significa sacrificio e redenzione.
The symbolism of the Christian cross signifies sacrifice and redemption.
Explaining religious symbolism.
Cosa significa realmente il concetto di 'sovranità popolare' nel contesto attuale?
What does the concept of 'popular sovereignty' truly mean in the current context?
Deepening the understanding of a political term.
Le proteste internazionali significarono un crescente malcontento verso le politiche governative.
The international protests signified growing discontent towards government policies.
Interpreting collective action as a sign of broader sentiment.
Nonostante le apparenze, il suo rifiuto significò un'opportunità inaspettata.
Despite appearances, his refusal signified an unexpected opportunity.
Finding positive implications in negative events.
La sua incapacità di scusarsi significò una mancanza di rispetto per i sentimenti altrui.
His inability to apologize signified a lack of respect for others' feelings.
Drawing conclusions about character from behavior.
La scoperta di questa antica civiltà significò una rivoluzione nella nostra comprensione della storia.
The discovery of this ancient civilization signified a revolution in our understanding of history.
Highlighting the impact of a discovery on knowledge.
La musica jazz, nel suo nucleo, significa improvvisazione e libertà espressiva.
Jazz music, at its core, means improvisation and expressive freedom.
Defining the essence of an art form.
La proliferazione di disinformazione online significa una seria minaccia alla democrazia.
The proliferation of online misinformation signifies a serious threat to democracy.
Analyzing complex societal issues and their implications.
Il dibattito filosofico sull'esistenza significa la perenne ricerca umana di significato.
The philosophical debate on existence signifies humanity's perennial search for meaning.
Connecting abstract debates to fundamental human drives.
L'architettura modernista non significava solo un nuovo stile, ma una rottura con il passato e un'aspirazione al futuro.
Modernist architecture did not just signify a new style, but a break with the past and an aspiration for the future.
Exploring the multi-layered significance of cultural movements.
La sua reticenza a discutere l'argomento significò un profondo disagio interiore.
His reluctance to discuss the topic signified deep inner turmoil.
Interpreting subtle behaviors as indicators of complex psychological states.
La resilienza dimostrata dalla comunità dopo il disastro significò la forza dello spirito umano.
The resilience shown by the community after the disaster signified the strength of the human spirit.
Highlighting abstract qualities demonstrated through collective action.
Il silenzio assordante dopo la rivelazione significò un'incomunicabilità insanabile.
The deafening silence after the revelation signified an unbridgeable lack of communication.
Using evocative language to describe profound emotional states.
L'adozione di nuove tecnologie da parte delle aziende significò un potenziale aumento di produttività ma anche la necessità di riqualificazione del personale.
The adoption of new technologies by companies signified a potential increase in productivity but also the need for staff retraining.
Analyzing the multifaceted implications of technological advancement.
La sua capacità di trasformare le critiche in opportunità significò una maturità eccezionale.
Her ability to transform criticism into opportunities signified exceptional maturity.
Identifying traits of character through specific actions and their outcomes.
La crisi economica globale non significò semplicemente una recessione, ma un ripensamento radicale dei paradigmi capitalistici.
The global economic crisis did not simply signify a recession, but a radical rethinking of capitalist paradigms.
Analyzing the profound, systemic implications of major events.
La persistente assenza di dialogo tra le fazioni significò un'inerzia politica che minacciava la stabilità nazionale.
The persistent absence of dialogue between factions signified a political inertia that threatened national stability.
Describing complex political impasses and their consequences.
L'evoluzione del linguaggio artistico nel XX secolo significò una progressiva emancipazione dalle convenzioni accademiche.
The evolution of artistic language in the 20th century signified a progressive emancipation from academic conventions.
Tracing the historical and conceptual shifts in cultural fields.
La sua decisione di ritirarsi dalla vita pubblica significò una profonda disillusione nei confronti del sistema politico.
His decision to withdraw from public life signified a profound disillusionment with the political system.
Interpreting a personal choice as a commentary on societal structures.
Il silenzio assordante delle istituzioni di fronte all'ingiustizia significò una complicità morale inaccettabile.
The deafening silence of institutions in the face of injustice signified an unacceptable moral complicity.
Critiquing the moral implications of inaction by powerful entities.
La riscoperta delle tradizioni ancestrali significò un tentativo di riconnettersi con le proprie radici in un mondo globalizzato.
The rediscovery of ancestral traditions signified an attempt to reconnect with one's roots in a globalized world.
Analyzing cultural phenomena in the context of globalization.
La sua eloquenza non significava solo abilità verbale, ma la capacità di infondere speranza e ispirazione.
His eloquence did not just signify verbal skill, but the ability to instill hope and inspiration.
Distinguishing superficial qualities from deeper, impactful ones.
La complessità del problema significò la necessità di un approccio multidisciplinare e collaborativo.
The complexity of the problem signified the need for a multidisciplinary and collaborative approach.
Identifying the required strategies for tackling intricate issues.
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— What does this word mean?
Sto imparando l'italiano e non so cosa significa questa parola.
— What do you mean? (often used similarly to 'Cosa significa?')
Non capisco la tua domanda. Cosa vuoi dire?
— It means we have to...
L'esame è difficile, significa che dobbiamo studiare di più.
Souvent confondu avec
'Sembrare' means 'to seem' or 'to appear', focusing on outward perception. 'Significare' means 'to mean' or 'to signify', referring to intrinsic meaning or representation. Example: 'Lei sembra stanca' (She seems tired) vs. 'La sua stanchezza significa che ha lavorato molto' (Her tiredness means she worked a lot).
Very similar and often interchangeable, especially in spoken Italian. 'Volere dire' is more literal ('to want to say') but functions as 'to mean'. 'Significare' can sometimes feel slightly more formal or precise.
Focuses more on symbolic or visual representation. 'Significare' can encompass this but is broader, also covering inherent meaning and implication.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To mean absolutely nothing, to be worthless.
Le sue promesse non significano un fico secco.
Informal— To mean being the best, the most important thing.
Per lui, la famiglia significa l'asso pigliatutto.
Informal— To mean the end of the world (for someone), to be extremely important or devastating.
Perdere quel lavoro ha significato la fine del mondo per lui.
Informal— To mean a good opportunity for oneself, to be very beneficial.
Questo nuovo progetto significa pane per i propri denti per l'azienda.
Informal— To mean a kick in the backside (a strong negative consequence or dismissal).
Se non fai il tuo lavoro, ti darà un calcio nel sedere.
Informal— To mean a burden to carry, a difficult task or situation.
Questa situazione difficile significa una croce da portare per tutti.
Informal— To mean absolutely nothing (emphatic).
Tutte le sue scuse non significano un bel niente.
Informal— To mean everything, to be the ultimate thing.
La sua arte significava il tutto per tutto per lui.
Informal— To mean big trouble.
Se ti scoprono, significherà un bel guaio.
Informal— To mean half a day's work (implies a significant but manageable task).
Questo lavoro significa una mezza giornata, niente di più.
InformalFacile à confondre
Both verbs can be used to describe what something conveys, but 'sembrare' is about appearance while 'significare' is about meaning.
'Sembrare' describes how something appears or gives an impression ('It seems...'). 'Significare' explains what something actually means or represents ('It means...'). You might say 'Il suo silenzio sembra minaccioso' (His silence seems threatening), but 'Il suo silenzio significa disaccordo' (His silence means disagreement).
La sua faccia sembra triste. (His face looks sad.) La sua faccia significa che è malato. (His face means he is sick.)
Very close in meaning and often interchangeable in informal contexts.
'Significare' is the direct verb for 'to mean' or 'to signify'. 'Volere dire' literally means 'to want to say', but it's commonly used to mean 'to mean' in a more conversational way. 'Significare' can sometimes sound more definitive or formal. Example: 'Cosa significa questa parola?' (What does this word mean? - neutral/formal) vs. 'Cosa vuoi dire con questo?' (What do you mean by this? - more conversational).
Il suo gesto significa 'ciao'. (His gesture means 'hello'.) Il suo gesto vuoi dire 'ciao'. (His gesture means 'hello' - more casual.)
Both verbs can be used to convey information or suggest something.
'Indicare' means 'to indicate' or 'to point out', suggesting something or drawing attention to it. 'Significare' is about the inherent meaning or what something represents. Example: 'La freccia indica la direzione' (The arrow indicates the direction), whereas 'La freccia significa 'andare avanti'' (The arrow means 'go forward').
I sintomi indicano una malattia. (The symptoms indicate an illness.) I sintomi significano che devi andare dal medico. (The symptoms mean you need to go to the doctor.)
Both can be used when something stands for something else.
'Rappresentare' focuses on visual or symbolic representation. It's about what something stands for or symbolizes. 'Significare' is broader and can include inherent meaning, implication, or importance. Example: 'La statua rappresenta la libertà' (The statue represents freedom) - visual. 'La libertà significa poter scegliere' (Freedom means being able to choose) - inherent meaning.
Il colore rosso rappresenta la passione. (The color red represents passion.) La passione significa vivere intensamente. (Passion means living intensely.)
Both can suggest consequences or underlying meanings.
'Implicare' means 'to imply' or 'to involve', suggesting something indirectly or as a consequence. 'Significare' is more direct about the meaning itself. Example: 'La sua assenza implica problemi' (His absence implies problems), whereas 'La sua assenza significa che non ci sarà' (His absence means he won't be there - a direct meaning).
Il cambiamento climatico implica rischi. (Climate change implies risks.) Il cambiamento climatico significa che il nostro futuro è in pericolo. (Climate change means our future is in danger.)
Structures de phrases
Subject + significa + Noun
Il cane significa 'dog'.
Cosa significa?
Cosa significa questa parola?
Subject + significare + molto/tanto
Il tuo aiuto significa molto.
Questo significa che + Clause
Questo significa che dobbiamo andare.
Subject + significare + preposition + Noun/Pronoun
La sua assenza significò tristezza per noi.
Cosa significa veramente...?
Cosa significa veramente essere felici?
Subject + significare + infinitive clause
La sua vittoria significò vincere il campionato.
Non sempre ciò che appare + significare + ciò che è
Non sempre ciò che appare significa ciò che è realmente.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Very High
-
Confusing 'significare' with 'sembrare'.
→
Lei sembra felice (She seems happy). La sua felicità significa che ha buone notizie (Her happiness means she has good news).
'Sembrare' refers to appearance or impression, while 'significare' refers to the actual meaning or representation. They are not interchangeable.
-
Incorrect conjugation: 'io significa'.
→
Io significo.
'Significare' is a regular -are verb. The first person singular present tense is 'significo', not 'significa' (which is third person singular).
-
Using the noun 'significato' instead of the verb 'significare'.
→
Questo gesto significa molto. (This gesture means a lot.)
The sentence requires a verb to explain the action of meaning. Using the noun would be grammatically incorrect in this structure: 'Questo gesto significato molto.'
-
Overusing 'cosa' when asking for meaning.
→
Cosa significa questa parola?
While 'Cosa significa?' is correct, sometimes context allows for simpler phrasing. However, this is a minor point and 'Cosa significa?' is always understood.
-
Translating 'signify' too literally in all contexts.
→
Il tuo supporto significa molto per me.
While 'signify' is a direct translation, in English, 'means a lot' is more common for expressing importance. 'Significare' in Italian covers this usage naturally.
Astuces
Learn through Context
Don't just memorize the definition. Pay attention to how 'significare' is used in sentences and real-life situations. Notice what it's connected to – words, symbols, actions, or feelings – to understand its various applications.
Explore Synonyms
Practice using synonyms like 'volere dire', 'rappresentare', and 'indicare' in sentences where 'significare' could also fit. This will help you understand the subtle differences and choose the most appropriate word for each situation.
Test Yourself
After learning a new Italian word or phrase, try to explain its meaning using 'significare'. For example, if you learn 'foresta', you can say 'La foresta significa un grande bosco con molti alberi.' This active recall solidifies your understanding.
Master Pronunciation
Pay close attention to the 'gn' sound and the stress on the 'FI' syllable. Practice saying 'significare' aloud, perhaps even recording yourself, to ensure you are pronouncing it correctly.
Conjugation Drills
Regularly practice conjugating 'significare' in different tenses and with various subjects. This will prevent conjugation errors and make your Italian sound more natural.
Construct Sentences
Create your own sentences using 'significare' based on your daily experiences. Describe what everyday objects, actions, or events mean to you. This personalizes the learning process.
Listen Actively
When watching Italian movies, listening to music, or podcasts, actively listen for the verb 'significare'. Try to guess its meaning from the context before looking it up. This trains your ear and improves comprehension.
Learn from Errors
Be aware of common mistakes, such as confusing 'significare' with 'sembrare'. Reviewing these pitfalls will help you avoid them in your own usage.
Connect to Roots
Remember that 'significare' comes from the Latin 'signum' (sign). This connection can help you recall the meaning of 'significare' and related words like 'segno' (sign).
Use in Real Scenarios
When you encounter something new or confusing in Italian, try to formulate a question using 'Cosa significa?' This practical application is one of the best ways to embed the word in your active vocabulary.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a person pointing to a sign with their finger ('sign-') and then making a gesture ('-ificare' like 'to make'). They are 'making a sign' to show its meaning.
Association visuelle
Picture a large, bold 'S' followed by an arrow pointing to a question mark. The 'S' stands for 'Significare', and the arrow pointing to the question mark represents the act of revealing or explaining what something means.
Word Web
Défi
Try to explain the meaning of five common objects around your house using the verb 'significare' in Italian sentences. For example, 'La sedia significa un posto dove sedersi.'
Origine du mot
The Italian verb 'significare' derives from the Latin verb 'significare', which itself comes from 'signum' (sign) and 'facere' (to make, to do). Thus, its literal origin means 'to make a sign' or 'to show a sign'.
Sens originel : To make a sign, to indicate, to show.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > ItalianContexte culturel
When discussing meanings, especially in sensitive contexts, ensure the explanation is respectful and accurate. The nuance of 'significare' can be lost if not used carefully.
While 'signify' exists in English, 'to mean' is far more common in everyday speech. 'Signify' in English often carries a more formal or literary tone, similar to how 'significare' can be used in more formal Italian contexts.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Defining words and phrases.
- Cosa significa questa parola?
- Questa parola significa...
- Il significato di '...' è...
Expressing importance or value.
- Significa molto per me.
- Questo significa tutto.
- Non significa niente.
Interpreting symbols and signs.
- Questo simbolo significa...
- La luce rossa significa pericolo.
- Cosa significa questo gesto?
Stating consequences or implications.
- Questo significa che...
- La sua decisione significò...
- Ciò implica che...
Discussing abstract concepts.
- Cosa significa essere liberi?
- La felicità significa...
- L'amore significa...
Amorces de conversation
"Cosa significa la parola '...' per te?"
"Quando hai imparato una nuova parola, cosa fai di solito per capirne il significato?"
"Ci sono parole nella tua lingua che pensi siano difficili da tradurre perché hanno un significato complesso?"
"Oltre alle parole, quali altri elementi pensi che possano 'significare' qualcosa di importante nella vita?"
"C'è un simbolo che conosci che ha un significato profondo per te o per la tua cultura?"
Sujets d'écriture
Descrivi un oggetto che possiedi e spiega cosa significa per te, usando il verbo 'significare'.
Pensa a un evento recente nella tua vita. Cosa ha significato per te e perché?
Scegli una parola italiana che hai imparato di recente e scrivi una frase che ne spieghi il significato usando 'significare'.
Rifletti su un sogno che hai fatto. Cosa pensi che abbia potuto significare?
Scrivi una breve riflessione sul significato della parola 'amicizia' o 'amore' usando il verbo 'significare'.
Questions fréquentes
10 questions'Significare' is an Italian verb that directly translates to 'to mean' or 'to signify' in English. It's used to express the meaning, importance, or implication of something, whether it's a word, a symbol, an action, or an event.
You should use 'significare' when you want to explain what something means, what it represents, or what its significance is. For example, 'La parola 'cane' significa 'dog'.' or 'Il tuo aiuto significa molto per me.'
Yes, 'volere dire' is very similar and often interchangeable with 'significare', especially in informal spoken Italian. Both mean 'to mean'. However, 'significare' can sometimes be used in more formal contexts or when a more precise meaning is intended.
'Significare' is a regular -are verb. Its conjugation follows the pattern of verbs like 'parlare'. The present tense is: io significo, tu significhi, lui/lei significa, noi significhiamo, voi significate, loro significano.
The noun form is 'significato', which means 'meaning' or 'significance'. For example, 'Qual è il significato di questa parola?' (What is the meaning of this word?).
Absolutely. 'Significare' is commonly used for abstract concepts. For instance, 'La pace significa assenza di guerra' (Peace means absence of war), or 'La sua amicizia significava tutto per me' (His friendship meant everything to me).
'Significare' is about the actual meaning or representation, while 'sembrare' is about appearance or how something seems. For example, 'Lei sembra felice' (She seems happy) is about appearance, whereas 'La sua felicità significa che ha ricevuto buone notizie' (Her happiness means she received good news) is about the meaning behind the happiness.
The most common ways are 'Cosa significa?' or 'Cosa significa questa parola/frase?' (What does this word/phrase mean?).
'Significare' is a verb, so it doesn't have a plural form in the same way a noun does. However, the third-person plural conjugation is 'significano', used when the subject is plural (e.g., 'Queste cose significano molto').
Common mistakes include confusing it with 'sembrare' (to seem), incorrect verb conjugations, and using the noun 'significato' where the verb is needed (or vice versa). It's also important to consider the context to grasp the full nuance of what is being signified.
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Summary
The verb 'significare' is essential for expressing meaning, significance, and representation in Italian. It's used when something conveys an idea, emotion, or consequence, acting as a bridge between a sign and its interpretation.
- Significare: to mean, to signify, to represent.
- Used for words, symbols, actions, events.
- Key verb for expressing meaning and importance.
- Conjugates like regular -are verbs.
Learn through Context
Don't just memorize the definition. Pay attention to how 'significare' is used in sentences and real-life situations. Notice what it's connected to – words, symbols, actions, or feelings – to understand its various applications.
Explore Synonyms
Practice using synonyms like 'volere dire', 'rappresentare', and 'indicare' in sentences where 'significare' could also fit. This will help you understand the subtle differences and choose the most appropriate word for each situation.
Test Yourself
After learning a new Italian word or phrase, try to explain its meaning using 'significare'. For example, if you learn 'foresta', you can say 'La foresta significa un grande bosco con molti alberi.' This active recall solidifies your understanding.
Master Pronunciation
Pay close attention to the 'gn' sound and the stress on the 'FI' syllable. Practice saying 'significare' aloud, perhaps even recording yourself, to ensure you are pronouncing it correctly.
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