A1 Expression 중립 1분 분량

Che significa?

What does it mean?

Phrase in 30 Seconds

Use 'Che significa?' to ask for the definition of a word or phrase you don't understand during a conversation.

  • Means: What does it mean?
  • Used in: Classrooms, casual chats, or when reading signs.
  • Don't confuse: Don't use 'Che significa' for 'What are you doing?' (Che fai?).
Confused face + 'Che significa?' = Instant clarity

내 수준에 맞는 설명:

This is a simple question. Use it when you see a new word and want to know the meaning.
A standard interrogative phrase. It is used to request a definition of vocabulary or to understand a confusing statement in a conversation.
A versatile tool for meta-communication. It allows learners to navigate gaps in their lexicon by prompting interlocutors to provide synonyms or contextual explanations.
This phrase serves as a functional linguistic bridge. It is frequently employed in both academic and social contexts to ensure semantic alignment between speakers, preventing misunderstandings.
Beyond simple definition, this phrase acts as a discourse marker. It signals a breakdown in communication and invites the interlocutor to paraphrase or elaborate, facilitating deeper cognitive engagement with the subject matter.
This expression is a fundamental component of communicative competence. It functions as an inquiry into the semiotic value of a signifier, allowing for the negotiation of meaning within diverse sociolinguistic registers.

Asking for the definition of a word.

🌍

문화적 배경

People might use 'Cosa vuol dire?' more frequently than 'Che significa?' in casual settings. The tone is often more expressive; the question might be accompanied by hand gestures. In formal settings, using the full 'Cosa significa questo termine?' is preferred.

💡

Use it often

Don't be afraid to ask. Italians love to explain their language.

⚠️

Don't use for people

Never use 'Che significa' to ask about a person's character.

💡

Use it often

Don't be afraid to ask. Italians love to explain their language.

⚠️

Don't use for people

Never use 'Che significa' to ask about a person's character.

🎯

Add 'questo'

Say 'Che significa questo?' to be very clear.

셀프 테스트

Select the correct way to ask for a definition.

____ 'casa'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Che significa

Use 'Che significa' to ask for the meaning of a word.

Complete the sentence.

Non capisco questa parola. ____?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Che significa

The context is not understanding a word, so we use the definition question.

Match the question to the intent.

Che significa?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Asking for a definition

This phrase is specifically for definitions.

Complete the dialogue.

A: Ho visto un cartello con scritto 'Vietato'. B: ____?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Che significa

B wants to know the meaning of the sign.

🎉 점수: /4

시각 학습 자료

연습 문제 은행

5 연습 문제
정답을 골라봐 Fill Blank

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답:
Select the correct way to ask for a definition. Choose A1

____ 'casa'?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Che significa

Use 'Che significa' to ask for the meaning of a word.

Complete the sentence. Fill Blank A1

Non capisco questa parola. ____?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Che significa

The context is not understanding a word, so we use the definition question.

Match the question to the intent. Match A1

왼쪽의 각 항목을 오른쪽의 짝과 연결하세요:

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Asking for a definition

This phrase is specifically for definitions.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion A2

A: Ho visto un cartello con scritto 'Vietato'. B: ____?

✓ 정답! ✗ 아쉬워요. 정답: Che significa

B wants to know the meaning of the sign.

🎉 점수: /5

자주 묻는 질문

8 질문

Yes, it is neutral and polite enough for professional settings.

No, it is a very helpful and polite way to learn.

You can say 'Puoi ripetere?' (Can you repeat?).

Yes, it works for both words and physical actions.

Yes, they are 100% interchangeable.

The 'gn' is a special Italian sound like the 'ny' in 'canyon'.

Yes, it is very common in texting.

Yes, it is one of the first phrases you should learn.

관련 표현

🔄

Cosa vuol dire?

synonym

What does it mean?

🔗

Cosa intendi?

similar

What do you mean?

🔗

Spiegami

builds on

Explain to me

어디서 쓸까?

📚

Classroom

Student: Professore, che significa 'obbligatorio'?

neutral
🚶

Street

Tourist: Scusi, che significa questo cartello?

neutral
📱

Texting

Friend: Che significa quell'emoji?

informal

암기하기

기억법

Think of 'Sign' (significa) in the word. You are looking for the 'sign' of the word.

시각적 연상

Imagine a giant question mark hovering over a dictionary.

Rhyme

Che significa? Don't panic, just ask it!

Story

Marco is reading a book. He sees a word he doesn't know. He stops, looks at his friend, and asks: 'Che significa?' His friend explains it, and Marco learns something new.

In Other Languages

Similar to 'Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire?' in French or '¿Qué significa?' in Spanish.

Word Web

significatosignificareparolacapirespiegaredomanda

챌린지

Ask 'Che significa?' for 5 new words today.

Review in 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days.

발음

Stress Stress on the 'fi' (si-gni-FI-ca).

Hard 'k' sound.

The 'gn' is like 'onion'.

격식 수준 스펙트럼

격식체
Potrebbe indicarmi il significato di questo termine?

Potrebbe indicarmi il significato di questo termine? (General inquiry)

중립
Che significa questo termine?

Che significa questo termine? (General inquiry)

비격식체
Che vuol dire?

Che vuol dire? (General inquiry)

속어
Che significa 'sta roba?

Che significa 'sta roba? (General inquiry)

Derived from Latin 'significare', a compound of 'signum' (sign) and 'facere' (to make).

Latin:
Old Italian:
Modern Italian:

재미있는 사실

The word 'sign' is a distant cousin of 'significa'.

문화 노트

People might use 'Cosa vuol dire?' more frequently than 'Che significa?' in casual settings.

“Cosa vuol dire questo?”

The tone is often more expressive; the question might be accompanied by hand gestures.

“Che significa, eh?”

In formal settings, using the full 'Cosa significa questo termine?' is preferred.

“Cosa significa questo termine tecnico?”

대화 시작하기

I saw a word in a book, 'Che significa...?'

I heard a new slang word, 'Che significa...?'

I don't understand this sign, 'Che significa...?'

자주 하는 실수

Che significa tu?

Che significa questa parola?

wrong context
You cannot use 'tu' (you) as the object of 'significare'. It must be a thing or a concept.

L1 Interference

0

Che significo?

Che significa?

wrong conjugation
This would mean 'What do I mean?'. Use the third person singular for the subject.

L1 Interference

0 1

Che è il significato?

Che significa?

literal translation
While grammatically possible, it is clunky. 'Che significa?' is the natural way to ask.

L1 Interference

0

In Other Languages

Spanish Very Similar

¿Qué significa?

Pronunciation of the 'que' vs 'che'.

French moderate

Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire?

French is more verbose than the direct Italian 'Che significa'.

German moderate

Was bedeutet das?

German word order is strictly V2.

Japanese Different

どういう意味ですか? (Dōiu imi desu ka?)

Japanese is noun-based, Italian is verb-based.

Arabic moderate

ماذا يعني هذا؟ (Madha ya'ni hadha?)

Arabic grammar requires specific gender agreement for the object.

Spotted in the Real World

🎬

(1960)

“Che significa questo?”

A character is confused by a strange event.

📱

(2023)

“Qualcuno mi spiega che significa questo trend?”

Asking about a viral trend.

📺

(2017)

“Che significa che non puoi venire?”

A character is questioning someone's excuse.

혼동하기 쉬운

Che significa? Che fai?

Learners confuse 'Che significa' (meaning) with 'Che fai' (action).

Use 'significa' for words, 'fai' for actions.

Che significa? Perché?

Learners use 'Che significa' to ask 'Why'.

Use 'Perché' for reasons.

Che significa? Come si dice?

Learners mix up asking for a definition vs asking for a translation.

'Come si dice' is for 'How do you say X in Italian'.

자주 묻는 질문 (8)

Yes, it is neutral and polite enough for professional settings.

usage contexts

No, it is a very helpful and polite way to learn.

basic understanding

You can say 'Puoi ripetere?' (Can you repeat?).

practical tips

Yes, it works for both words and physical actions.

usage contexts

Yes, they are 100% interchangeable.

comparisons

The 'gn' is a special Italian sound like the 'ny' in 'canyon'.

grammar mechanics

Yes, it is very common in texting.

usage contexts

Yes, it is one of the first phrases you should learn.

basic understanding

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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