En 15 secondes
- Used to clarify or confirm a logical conclusion in conversation.
- Works in both formal meetings and casual coffee chats.
- Equivalent to 'Does that mean...?' or 'So, that means...?'
Signification
This is your go-to way to clarify something or confirm your understanding. It's like saying 'So, does that mean...?' when you're connecting the dots in a conversation.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6At a restaurant
Isso significa que o prato é apimentado?
Does that mean the dish is spicy?
In a business meeting
Isso significa que o prazo foi estendido?
Does that mean the deadline has been extended?
Texting a friend about a party
Isso significa que eu não preciso levar nada?
Does that mean I don't need to bring anything?
Contexte culturel
Brazilians often use 'Isso significa que' to avoid saying 'No' directly. It's a way to probe for a softer answer. In Portugal, the phrase is used with a bit more formality. You might hear 'Isto quer dizer que' more often in casual Lisbon speech. In Luanda, the phrase is often shortened in very fast speech, but remains a staple of formal education and media. In Lusophone business meetings, this phrase is a sign of 'Escuta Ativa' (Active Listening). It is highly valued.
The 'Né' Trick
Add a 'né?' at the end to make it sound more natural and inviting in Brazil: 'Isso significa que vamos sair, né?'
Avoid 'Este'
Never start this phrase with 'Este'. 'Isso' is the only correct demonstrative for abstract ideas in this context.
En 15 secondes
- Used to clarify or confirm a logical conclusion in conversation.
- Works in both formal meetings and casual coffee chats.
- Equivalent to 'Does that mean...?' or 'So, that means...?'
What It Means
Isso significa que is a bridge between information and understanding. You use it when someone gives you news or instructions. It helps you verify if your conclusion is correct. It is the linguistic equivalent of a lightbulb turning on over your head. You are basically saying, 'If A is true, then B must be true, right?'
How To Use It
Simply drop this phrase at the start of your question. Follow it with your assumption. It works perfectly with both verbs and nouns. If a friend says they are moving, you ask, Isso significa que você vai ter uma festa de despedida? (Does that mean you'll have a farewell party?). It’s smooth, logical, and very natural. You don't need to change the ending based on who you are talking to. It stays the same whether you're talking to a boss or a barista.
When To Use It
Use it whenever there is a hint of ambiguity. It’s great at a restaurant when the waiter says they are out of picanha. Isso significa que só tem frango? (Does that mean there's only chicken?). Use it in meetings to show you are paying attention. It’s also perfect for teasing friends. If a friend starts wearing a lot of green and yellow, you might ask, Isso significa que você virou fã de futebol? (Does that mean you've become a football fan?).
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for simple facts that don't require deduction. If someone says 'The sky is blue,' don't ask Isso significa que não é verde?. That makes you sound like a robot or a very confused philosopher. Also, avoid it if you are 100% certain. It’s a tool for clarification, not for stating the obvious. If you use it too much in a row, you might sound like a lawyer cross-examining a witness. Keep it breezy!
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese speakers generally value clear communication but often speak in nuances. Using this phrase shows you are engaged in the 'social dance' of the conversation. It shows respect for the other person's input. It’s a very 'active listening' phrase. In Brazil, where social cues are huge, this phrase helps you navigate the unsaid rules of an invitation or a plan.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more casual, you can say Quer dizer que...?. This is the most common 'street' version. In a more formal setting, you might hear Isso implica que...?. If you are just checking a quick fact, you might just say Então...? (So...?). But Isso significa que is the perfect middle ground for almost any situation you'll find yourself in.
Notes d'usage
This phrase is perfectly safe for B1 learners. It's neutral, so you won't offend anyone, and it helps you manage conversations when you're not 100% sure of what was said.
The 'Né' Trick
Add a 'né?' at the end to make it sound more natural and inviting in Brazil: 'Isso significa que vamos sair, né?'
Avoid 'Este'
Never start this phrase with 'Este'. 'Isso' is the only correct demonstrative for abstract ideas in this context.
Tone Matters
A rising intonation at the end makes it a question. A flat intonation makes it a statement of fact.
Exemples
6Isso significa que o prato é apimentado?
Does that mean the dish is spicy?
Checking a detail about the menu after the waiter describes an ingredient.
Isso significa que o prazo foi estendido?
Does that mean the deadline has been extended?
Clarifying a project timeline change with a supervisor.
Isso significa que eu não preciso levar nada?
Does that mean I don't need to bring anything?
Confirming if the host is providing all the food and drinks.
Isso significa que nós perdemos o voo?
Does that mean we missed the flight?
Realizing the consequence of a long delay.
Isso significa que eu sou o único que não sabia?
Does that mean I'm the only one who didn't know?
Finding out a secret that everyone else already knew.
Isso significa que o aluguel vai subir?
Does that mean the rent is going to go up?
Clarifying a formal notice about building renovations.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
O céu está muito escuro. Isso ________ que vai chover?
We use the third-person singular 'significa' to agree with the neutral 'Isso'.
Choose the best response to clarify the situation.
A: 'Amanhã é feriado e a empresa estará fechada.' B: '________ não teremos reunião?'
The speaker is drawing a logical conclusion from the fact that the company is closed.
Match the statement with the most logical 'Isso significa que' conclusion.
Statement: 'Eu perdi meu passaporte.'
Losing a passport logically leads to needing a new one from the consulate.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for a negative implication?
...
The negative 'não significa que' triggers the subjunctive mood ('esteja').
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Formal vs Informal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesO céu está muito escuro. Isso ________ que vai chover?
We use the third-person singular 'significa' to agree with the neutral 'Isso'.
A: 'Amanhã é feriado e a empresa estará fechada.' B: '________ não teremos reunião?'
The speaker is drawing a logical conclusion from the fact that the company is closed.
Statement: 'Eu perdi meu passaporte.'
Losing a passport logically leads to needing a new one from the consulate.
...
The negative 'não significa que' triggers the subjunctive mood ('esteja').
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, in casual speech, Brazilians often drop the 'Isso' if the context is clear.
In Brazil, 'Isso' is almost universal. In Portugal, 'Isto' is used for things close to the speaker, but 'Isso' is still common for abstract ideas.
If you are following it with a verb or a clause, yes. If you just say 'Isso significa muito para mim' (That means a lot to me), you don't need 'que'.
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, yes. 'Quer dizer' is the king of the streets, but 'Significa' is the king of the office.
Use 'Isso significou que...'. For example: 'O silêncio dela significou que ela não gostou'.
Yes, 'Isso significa que x é igual a y' is perfectly correct.
Not at all! It shows you are paying attention. It's only rude if your tone is sarcastic.
'Significar' is more about objective meaning/definition. 'Querer dizer' is more about what a person intends to say.
Yes, it's a great way to start a sentence when you are summarizing a previous point.
Not a direct one, but 'Tipo...' often fills the same role of clarifying meaning in youth slang.
Only if the main clause is negative or expresses doubt (e.g., 'Não significa que ele saiba').
Absolutely, though they might prefer 'Isto quer dizer que' in many casual situations.
Expressions liées
Quer dizer que
similarIt means that...
Ou seja
synonymIn other words / That is
Isto é
synonymThat is to say
Em suma
builds onIn short
Logo
builds onTherefore
