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A1 verb #1,500 가장 일반적인 12분 분량

Significar

상위 1,500

At the A1 beginner level, the verb 'significar' is introduced primarily as a survival tool for navigating a new language environment. For a learner who has just started studying Portuguese, encountering unknown words is a constant reality. Therefore, learning how to ask for definitions is paramount. The phrase 'O que significa...?' (What does ... mean?) is taught very early on. At this stage, learners do not need to worry about complex conjugations or abstract philosophical uses of the word. They simply need to memorize the third-person singular form 'significa' to ask about vocabulary, signs, or basic gestures. For example, pointing to a sign and asking 'O que significa isso?' allows the learner to gain immediate, practical information. Teachers will also use this verb frequently in the classroom to explain simple concepts, saying things like 'A palavra gato significa cat em inglês.' The focus is entirely on direct translation and basic comprehension. Learners might also encounter the negative form 'não significa', used to correct simple misunderstandings. Overall, at the A1 level, 'significar' is treated almost like a fixed expression rather than a fully conjugated verb, serving as a functional key to unlock further vocabulary and facilitate basic communication in everyday scenarios.

As learners progress to the A2 elementary level, their understanding and usage of 'significar' expand beyond simple vocabulary inquiries. At this stage, learners begin to use the verb to express basic logical connections and consequences in everyday situations. They start to construct sentences using 'significar que' (to mean that) to explain simple deductions. For example, 'Está chovendo, isso significa que não vamos à praia' (It is raining, that means we are not going to the beach). This demonstrates a growing ability to connect ideas and express cause and effect. Additionally, A2 learners begin to explore the emotional dimension of the verb, learning phrases like 'Você significa muito para mim' (You mean a lot to me) to express affection to friends or family. They also start to recognize and use the verb in different basic tenses, such as the past (pretérito perfeito) to ask about something that happened: 'O que significou aquele barulho?' (What did that noise mean?). The vocabulary surrounding the verb also grows, incorporating adverbs like 'muito', 'pouco', and 'nada'. While still dealing with concrete, everyday concepts, the A2 learner uses 'significar' to navigate slightly more complex social interactions and to articulate basic reasoning, moving away from relying on it solely as a translation tool.

At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of 'significar' becomes significantly more nuanced and grammatically complex. Learners are now expected to fully conjugate the verb across various tenses, including the imperfect (significava) and the future (significará). A major grammatical milestone at this level is the introduction of the subjunctive mood. B1 learners must learn that negative constructions, such as 'Isso não significa que...', require the following verb to be in the subjunctive to express doubt or non-reality (e.g., 'Isso não significa que ele seja ruim'). This is a critical step in mastering Portuguese syntax. Furthermore, learners at this stage use 'significar' to discuss abstract concepts, cultural differences, and personal opinions. They might explain what a particular holiday signifies in their home country or discuss the meaning behind a tradition. The verb is also used more frequently in professional or academic contexts, such as interpreting simple data or explaining the implications of a decision. Synonyms like 'querer dizer' and 'representar' are actively integrated into their vocabulary, allowing for more varied and natural expression. By the end of B1, 'significar' is a versatile tool used not just for definition, but for argumentation, cultural exchange, and expressing complex emotional states.

Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level implies a high degree of fluency and comfort with the verb 'significar'. At this stage, learners can effortlessly navigate the grammatical complexities associated with the verb, including all subjunctive triggers and compound tenses. They use 'significar' to engage in detailed discussions, debates, and analyses of abstract topics. In a B2 context, the verb is frequently employed to interpret literature, analyze news events, and discuss societal trends. A learner might say, 'O aumento da inflação significa que o poder de compra diminuirá drasticamente' (The rise in inflation means that purchasing power will decrease drastically). They are also adept at using the verb to clarify misunderstandings in complex social interactions, using phrases like 'O que eu quis significar foi...' (What I meant to signify was...). The distinction between 'significar', 'implicar', 'denotar', and 'representar' becomes clear, and the learner can choose the most appropriate synonym based on the desired register and subtle shades of meaning. Furthermore, B2 learners understand idiomatic uses and cultural nuances associated with the concept of meaning in Portuguese-speaking societies. They can comfortably consume native media, understanding when 'significar' is used sarcastically, metaphorically, or poetically, demonstrating a deep, intuitive grasp of the language's mechanics and pragmatics.

At the C1 advanced level, the use of 'significar' is characterized by precision, sophistication, and a deep understanding of sociolinguistic context. Learners at this level wield the verb with the same dexterity as an educated native speaker. They use it effortlessly in highly formal academic writing, professional presentations, and complex literary analysis. In these contexts, 'significar' is often used to explore semiotics, philosophy, and the underlying implications of complex theories. A C1 speaker might articulate thoughts such as, 'A desconstrução do mito significa uma reavaliação das nossas bases culturais' (The deconstruction of the myth signifies a reevaluation of our cultural foundations). They are acutely aware of the subtle differences between denotation and connotation, and use 'significar' to navigate these linguistic waters. Furthermore, they can manipulate the verb for rhetorical effect, using it to emphasize points, create irony, or build compelling arguments. The grammatical execution is flawless, with seamless integration of complex subjunctive structures and passive voices. At this level, 'significar' is not just a word being used; it is a conceptual tool employed to dissect and construct complex realities, reflecting a profound mastery of Portuguese vocabulary and syntax.

At the C2 mastery level, the interaction with the verb 'significar' transcends standard language learning and enters the realm of near-native, expert manipulation of discourse. A C2 speaker understands the historical, etymological, and philosophical depths of the word. They can engage in high-level debates about the nature of meaning itself, using 'significar' to discuss linguistic relativity, semiotic theory, and existential philosophy. They might write essays or deliver lectures exploring how language constructs reality, stating, 'O ato de significar é, intrinsecamente, um ato de poder e delimitação da realidade' (The act of signifying is, intrinsically, an act of power and delimitation of reality). At this level, the speaker intuitively grasps the most obscure literary uses of the verb, appreciating how renowned Portuguese-language authors like Fernando Pessoa or Machado de Assis employ it to convey profound existential angst or sharp social critique. The choice between 'significar' and its most elevated synonyms (e.g., 'conotar', 'traduzir-se em') is made with absolute stylistic precision, tailored perfectly to the audience and the medium. The C2 user does not merely use 'significar' to communicate; they use it to sculpt thought, demonstrating an absolute, unyielding command over the Portuguese language in all its richness and complexity.

연습하기 예시 노트와 팁

Significar 30초 만에

Used to ask for definitions.
Used to explain logical consequences.
Used to express emotional importance.
Requires subjunctive in negative forms.

The verb significar is an absolutely fundamental and indispensable lexical item within the Portuguese language, serving as the primary mechanism through which speakers express meaning, intention, and representation in both spoken and written discourse. At its most basic and foundational level, significar translates directly to the English verbs to mean or to signify, acting as the bridge between a signifier and its signified concept. When a learner first encounters the Portuguese language, this verb is often among the very first they must master, primarily because it is the key to unlocking further vocabulary through the ubiquitous question: O que significa isso? (What does this mean?). Understanding the depth and breadth of significar requires an exploration of its morphological roots, its syntactic behavior, and its pragmatic applications across various contexts. Morphologically, the word derives from the Latin significare, which itself is a compound of signum (meaning sign or mark) and facere (meaning to make or to do). Therefore, to significar is literally to make a sign or to establish a meaningful connection between an object, word, or action and its underlying concept.

Core Definition: To represent, denote, or convey a specific meaning, idea, or concept, acting as the primary verb for definition and explanation.

In everyday conversation, significar is used to clarify misunderstandings, define unknown terms, and interpret the significance of events or actions. For instance, if someone gives you a particular look, you might wonder what that look signifies.

O seu silêncio pode significar muitas coisas diferentes.

This demonstrates that significar goes beyond mere dictionary definitions; it encompasses the interpretation of human behavior, natural phenomena, and abstract concepts. Furthermore, the verb is highly versatile in its grammatical construction. It can take a direct object, as in significar algo (to mean something), or it can introduce a subordinate clause with the conjunction que, as in significar que (to mean that).

Syntactic Structure: Often followed by a direct object (noun phrase) or a subordinate clause introduced by 'que' indicating the consequence or implication.

When followed by que, the verb in the subordinate clause is typically in the indicative mood if the meaning is presented as a fact, but it can sometimes trigger the subjunctive mood in negative constructions or when expressing doubt (e.g., Isso não significa que seja verdade). Beyond its literal use, significar carries significant emotional and relational weight. When someone says Você significa muito para mim (You mean a lot to me), the verb transcends definition and enters the realm of emotional value and importance.

Esta vitória vai significar o início de uma nova era.

In this context, it implies consequence, result, or historical importance. The multifaceted nature of significar makes it a cornerstone of effective communication. It allows speakers to negotiate meaning, express affection, analyze situations, and navigate the complex web of human interaction.

Philosophical Context: In semiotics, significar is the action of the signifier pointing to the signified, creating the foundation of all language and symbolic thought.

Whether you are a beginner trying to order food or an advanced learner discussing philosophy, significar is the tool you will reach for time and time again.

O que vai significar essa mudança para nós?

Isso não deve significar o fim do projeto.

Para mim, amar é significar algo na vida de alguém.

Mastering the usage of the verb significar is a critical step in achieving fluency in Portuguese, as its application spans across a multitude of grammatical structures, pragmatic contexts, and conversational scenarios. To truly understand how to use this verb, one must examine its conjugation patterns, its syntactic requirements, and the subtle nuances it brings to different types of sentences. As a regular verb ending in -ar, significar follows the standard conjugation rules for the vast majority of its forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners to memorize. However, because its stem ends in a 'c' (signific-), it undergoes a minor orthographic change in certain tenses to preserve the hard /k/ sound. For example, in the first person singular of the preterite (pretérito perfeito), it becomes eu signifiquei, and in the present subjunctive, it becomes que eu signifique, que tu signifiques, etc.

Orthographic Shift: The letter 'c' changes to 'qu' before 'e' to maintain the phonetic integrity of the root word across different verb tenses.

In practical usage, the most common structure you will encounter is the interrogative form used to ask for definitions. When you encounter an unfamiliar word, you simply ask: O que significa [palavra]? This is an indispensable survival phrase for any language learner.

Por favor, o que costuma significar esta expressão regional?

Beyond asking for definitions, significar is heavily used to interpret situations and draw conclusions. When you observe a fact and deduce its consequence, you use significar que followed by a clause. For instance, Se o céu está escuro, isso significa que vai chover (If the sky is dark, that means it is going to rain).

Logical Deduction: Used to connect an observation or premise to its logical conclusion or inevitable result in everyday reasoning.

This structure is incredibly common in both spoken and written Portuguese, serving as a logical connector that helps structure arguments and explanations. Another vital way to use significar is in the context of emotional or personal importance. When expressing how much someone or something matters to you, you use the verb with an adverb of intensity, such as muito (a lot), pouco (little), or nada (nothing), followed by the preposition para (for/to).

O seu apoio contínuo vai significar o mundo para a nossa equipe.

This usage transforms the verb from a cold, analytical tool into a warm, expressive vehicle for human emotion.

Emotional Valuation: Expressing the subjective importance or sentimental value of a person, object, or event to an individual.

Furthermore, in academic or formal writing, significar is frequently employed to discuss the implications of data, historical events, or scientific findings.

Este aumento nas vendas pode significar uma recuperação econômica robusta.

Não sei o que isso pode significar no longo prazo.

Aprender a perdoar é significar a dor de uma nova maneira.

The ubiquity of the verb significar ensures that you will encounter it in virtually every domain of Portuguese language usage, from the most casual street conversations to the highest levels of academic and literary discourse. Because the human experience is fundamentally driven by the search for meaning, the vocabulary we use to discuss meaning is omnipresent. In daily life, you will hear significar constantly in classrooms, language exchanges, and casual chats. Whenever someone is confused, needs clarification, or is trying to explain a complex idea in simpler terms, this verb makes an appearance.

Educational Settings: Teachers and students rely heavily on this verb to define terms, explain concepts, and ensure mutual understanding in the classroom.

For language learners, the phrase O que significa...? is practically a mantra, heard echoing in language schools across Brazil and Portugal.

O professor explicou o que a equação deve significar na prática.

Beyond the classroom, you will hear it frequently in interpersonal relationships. When couples argue or have deep discussions, they often analyze each other's words and actions. Phrases like O que você quis significar com isso? (What did you mean by that?) or Isso não significa que eu não te ame (That doesn't mean I don't love you) are staples of emotional communication. In the professional and business world, significar is used to discuss data, trends, and strategies. During meetings, a manager might present a graph and explain what the downward trend signifies for the company's future.

Corporate Environment: Used to interpret metrics, forecast outcomes, and explain the implications of business decisions to stakeholders.

A queda nas ações pode significar cortes no orçamento.

You will also hear it extensively in the news media. Journalists and analysts use significar to unpack the consequences of political events, economic shifts, and social movements. When a new law is passed, news anchors will dedicate segments to explaining O que isso significa para você (What this means for you).

Journalism & Media: Essential for translating complex political or economic events into understandable impacts for the general public.

In literature and poetry, the verb takes on a more profound, existential tone, exploring the meaning of life, suffering, and joy.

A arte existe para significar o indizível.

Um olhar profundo pode significar mais que mil palavras.

Ter liberdade deve significar ter responsabilidade.

Despite being a relatively straightforward and regular verb, significar presents several pitfalls for learners of Portuguese, particularly those whose native languages map the concept of meaning differently. One of the most frequent and glaring errors occurs when learners attempt to translate the English phrase I mean directly into Portuguese. In English, I mean is used as a conversational filler, a way to correct oneself, or to clarify intent. A beginner might literally translate this as Eu significo. This is completely incorrect and sounds nonsensical to a native speaker.

The 'I Mean' Trap: Never use 'eu significo' to say 'I mean' as a filler. Instead, use 'quero dizer' or 'ou seja'.

In Portuguese, significar is almost exclusively used for words, actions, or situations possessing meaning, not for a person expressing their intention, unless in a deeply philosophical or poetic context.

O que essa atitude vai significar para o grupo?

Another common mistake involves the orthographic change in the spelling of the verb in certain tenses. Because the root ends in c, learners often misspell the preterite or subjunctive forms, writing significei instead of the correct signifiquei.

Subjunctive Triggers: Failing to use the subjunctive mood after negative constructions like 'não significa que' is a hallmark of intermediate-level errors.

When a speaker says Isso não significa que ele é mau (using the indicative é), it sounds slightly unnatural compared to the correct Isso não significa que ele seja mau (using the subjunctive seja). The negative construction introduces doubt or denies a reality, which strictly requires the subjunctive mood in Portuguese.

Perder uma batalha não deve significar perder a guerra.

Furthermore, learners sometimes confuse significar with importar (to matter). While they can overlap in emotional contexts (e.g., You mean a lot to me / You matter a lot to me), they are structurally different. You cannot say Isso não significa para mim to mean I don't care; you must say Isso não importa para mim.

Preposition Confusion: Using incorrect prepositions after the verb, such as 'significar de' instead of 'significar para' when expressing importance to someone.

O choro do bebê pode significar fome ou sono.

Tentar traduzir literalmente pode significar cometer erros graves.

Ignorar as regras vai significar punição severa.

To develop a rich and nuanced vocabulary in Portuguese, it is essential to understand not only the primary word significar, but also its network of synonyms and related terms. While significar is the most direct translation of to mean, several other verbs and expressions can be used interchangeably depending on the exact context, register, and subtle shade of meaning desired. The most common colloquial alternative is the compound expression querer dizer (literally, to want to say).

Querer Dizer: Highly informal and extremely common alternative. Used identically to 'significar' when asking for definitions or clarifying intentions.

For example, instead of asking O que significa esta palavra?, a native speaker is just as likely to ask O que quer dizer esta palavra?. Furthermore, querer dizer is the correct phrase to use when translating the English filler I mean (Eu quero dizer...).

Isso pode significar exatamente o que ele queria dizer.

Another strong synonym, particularly in formal, academic, or political contexts, is representar (to represent). When an event or action stands as a symbol for a larger concept, representar is often preferred. For instance, Esta vitória representa um marco histórico (This victory represents a historic milestone) sounds slightly more elevated than Esta vitória significa um marco histórico, though both are perfectly correct.

Representar: Used when a physical object, action, or person stands in for an abstract concept, ideal, or larger group.

In contexts involving logical deduction or consequences, the verb implicar (to imply or to entail) is an excellent substitute. When one action inevitably leads to another, you can say Isso implica uma mudança de planos (That implies/entails a change of plans) instead of Isso significa uma mudança de planos.

Aprovar a lei vai significar um avanço social.

Implicar: Focuses on the necessary consequences or hidden meanings behind an action, rather than just a direct definition.

For expressing emotional importance, the verb importar (to matter) is closely related. While you say Você significa muito para mim, you can also say Você importa muito para mim. The meaning is nearly identical, though significar carries a slightly more poetic weight of being a symbol of value, whereas importar is a direct statement of relevance.

Um sorriso sincero costuma significar amizade e paz.

A cor vermelha pode significar perigo ou paixão.

A ausência de provas não deve significar inocência automática.

How Formal Is It?

격식체

비격식체

속어

난이도

알아야 할 문법

수준별 예문

O que significa esta palavra?

What does this word mean?

Third-person singular present tense, used for asking definitions.

Isso não significa nada.

That means nothing.

Negative sentence with 'nada' (nothing).

A luz vermelha significa pare.

The red light means stop.

Used to explain the meaning of a sign or signal.

O que significa o seu nome?

What does your name mean?

Common introductory question.

Gato significa cat.

Gato means cat.

Direct translation structure.

Isso significa sim ou não?

Does that mean yes or no?

Asking for clarification of an ambiguous answer.

Eu não sei o que isso significa.

I don't know what that means.

First-person expressing lack of knowledge.

O que significa a placa?

What does the sign mean?

Asking about environmental text.

Se ele sorriu, significa que está feliz.

If he smiled, it means he is happy.

Using 'significa que' to show logical deduction.

Você significa muito para a nossa família.

You mean a lot to our family.

Expressing emotional importance.

O que significou aquele barulho ontem?

What did that noise mean yesterday?

Pretérito perfeito (past tense) form 'significou'.

Isso vai significar mais trabalho para nós.

This is going to mean more work for us.

Future with 'vai' + infinitive.

O silêncio dela significa que ela está brava.

Her silence means she is angry.

Interpreting behavior.

Este presente significa a nossa amizade.

This gift signifies our friendship.

Representing an abstract concept.

Não entendi o que o texto significa.

I didn't understand what the text means.

Subordinate clause in the present tense.

O que as estrelas significam para você?

What do the stars mean to you?

Plural form 'significam' matching the plural subject.

Isso não significa que eu concorde com você.

That doesn't mean I agree with you.

Negative trigger requiring the present subjunctive 'concorde'.

Antigamente, essa palavra significava outra coisa.

In the past, this word meant something else.

Imperfect tense 'significava' for a continuous past state.

O professor explicou o que o poema significava.

The teacher explained what the poem meant.

Reported speech using the imperfect tense.

A nova lei significará impostos mais altos.

The new law will mean higher taxes.

Future tense 'significará' for formal prediction.

Queria que minha arte significasse algo para o mundo.

I wish my art meant something to the world.

Imperfect subjunctive 'significasse' after 'queria que'.

Eles não sabiam o que o símbolo podia significar.

They didn't know what the symbol could mean.

Infinitive used after the modal verb 'podia'.

O que quer que isso signifique, não me importa.

Whatever that means, I don't care.

Present subjunctive 'signifique' in an indefinite expression.

A mudança de planos significou perder o voo.

The change of plans meant missing the flight.

Past tense followed by an infinitive verb.

A queda na bolsa significa que a recessão é iminente.

The stock market crash means the recession is imminent.

Using 'significa que' for complex economic deduction.

Embora pareça simples, isso significa um avanço tecnológico enorme.

Although it seems simple, this signifies a huge technological advancement.

Contrasting ideas with 'embora'.

Não estou certo do que a atitude dele possa significar.

I am not sure what his attitude might mean.

Present subjunctive 'possa significar' expressing doubt.

Se tivéssemos perdido, teria significado o fim da empresa.

If we had lost, it would have meant the end of the company.

Compound conditional 'teria significado' in a hypothetical past.

O autor usa a metáfora para significar a solidão humana.

The author uses the metaphor to signify human loneliness.

Infinitive used to express purpose in literary analysis.

É provável que essa descoberta signifique a cura da doença.

It is likely that this discovery means the cure for the disease.

Subjunctive 'signifique' triggered by 'É provável que'.

O que ele disse não significa necessariamente que ele seja culpado.

What he said doesn't necessarily mean he is guilty.

Adverb 'necessariamente' modifying the negative subjunctive structure.

A aliança no dedo anelar significa compromisso matrimonial.

The ring on the ring finger signifies matrimonial commitment.

Formal statement of cultural symbolism.

A desconstrução deste paradigma significa uma reavaliação das nossas bases éticas.

The deconstruction of this paradigm signifies a reevaluation of our ethical foundations.

Academic vocabulary paired with 'significa' for profound implications.

Não obstante as críticas, a obra não deixa de significar um marco na literatura.

Notwithstanding the criticisms, the work does not cease to signify a milestone in literature.

Double negative 'não deixa de' for emphasis in formal discourse.

Para que o acordo signifique uma paz duradoura, concessões mútuas são exigidas.

In order for the agreement to mean a lasting peace, mutual concessions are required.

Subjunctive 'signifique' after the conjunction of purpose 'Para que'.

O silêncio do governo tem significado uma conivência tácita com os abusos.

The government's silence has meant a tacit complicity with the abuses.

Present perfect 'tem significado' for an ongoing situation.

A palavra adquiriu novos contornos, passando a significar algo totalmente distinto.

The word acquired new contours, coming to mean something entirely distinct.

Gerund 'passando' followed by preposition 'a' and infinitive.

Que a sua renúncia signifique o início de uma reforma sistêmica.

May his resignation signify the beginning of a systemic reform.

Independent subjunctive clause expressing a strong wish or hope.

A complexidade do cosmos significa, para muitos, a existência de um criador.

The complexity of the cosmos signifies, for many, the existence of a creator.

Philosophical statement using commas to isolate the prepositional phrase.

O mero ato de existir já significa resistir às intempéries do tempo.

The mere act of existing already signifies resisting the ravages of time.

Infinitive phrases acting as subject and object.

A polissemia inerente ao termo permite que ele signifique simultaneamente libertação e opressão.

The polysemy inherent to the term allows it to signify simultaneously liberation and oppression.

Advanced linguistic terminology combined with subjunctive 'signifique'.

O que quer que a morte signifique, a angústia de sua antecipação é inegavelmente real.

Whatever death may signify, the anguish of its anticipation is undeniably real.

Existential discourse using 'O que quer que' + subjunctive.

Erige-se um monumento não pelo que ele é, mas pelo que se convencionou que ele signifique.

A monument is erected not for what it is, but for what it has been conventionally agreed it should signify.

Passive pronominal voice and complex subjunctive nesting.

A falência da linguagem ocorre quando as palavras deixam de significar a realidade tangível.

The failure of language occurs when words cease to signify tangible reality.

Philosophical analysis of semiotics using 'deixam de significar'.

Teria a sua hesitação significado uma recusa velada, ou mero pudor?

Could his hesitation have signified a veiled refusal, or mere modesty?

Inverted syntax with compound conditional for rhetorical questioning.

A outorga deste prêmio significa o corolário de uma vida dedicada à ciência.

The granting of this award signifies the corollary of a life dedicated to science.

Highly elevated vocabulary ('outorga', 'corolário') surrounding the verb.

Nenhuma exegese poderá esgotar o que este texto sagrado pode vir a significar.

No exegesis will be able to exhaust what this sacred text may come to signify.

Complex verbal periphrasis 'pode vir a significar'.

Significar, em sua essência mais pura, é o ato de transmutar o caos em ordem simbólica.

To signify, in its purest essence, is the act of transmuting chaos into symbolic order.

Infinitive used as a philosophical subject.

자주 쓰는 조합

significar muito

não significar nada

significar que

o que significa

passar a significar

poder significar

deixar de significar

significar o fim

significar o início

significar para mim

자주 쓰는 구문

O que significa isso?

Isso não significa nada.

O que você quer significar com isso?

Isso significa que...

Não significa necessariamente que...

Significa muito para mim.

O que a palavra significa?

Isso pode significar problemas.

O silêncio significa consentimento.

Significa o mundo para mim.

자주 혼동되는 단어

Significar vs Importar (to matter)

Significar vs Querer dizer (to mean/want to say)

Significar vs Ter a intenção (to intend)

관용어 및 표현

혼동하기 쉬운

Significar vs

문장 패턴

사용법

note

While 'significar' is the direct translation of 'to mean', be careful not to use it for 'to intend' (ter a intenção de) or 'I mean' as a filler (quero dizer).

자주 하는 실수

Translating 'I mean' as 'Eu significo' instead of 'Quero dizer'.
Forgetting to use the subjunctive after 'não significa que'.
Misspelling the past tense as 'significei' instead of 'signifiquei'.
Using 'significar' instead of 'importar' to say 'It doesn't matter to me' (Isso não significa para mim - incorrect).
Failing to make the verb plural when the subject is plural (e.g., 'O que significa essas palavras?' instead of 'O que significam essas palavras?').

팁

The Subjunctive Trigger

Always remember that 'não significa que' is a classic trigger for the subjunctive mood. Train yourself to automatically follow it with a subjunctive verb, like 'não significa que seja' instead of 'não significa que é'.

Survival Phrase

Memorize 'O que significa isso?' as your ultimate survival phrase. It is the key to unlocking all other vocabulary when you are immersed in a Portuguese-speaking environment.

The C to QU Rule

Whenever you conjugate 'significar' and the ending starts with an 'e' (like in the preterite 'eu signifiquei' or the present subjunctive 'que eu signifique'), change the 'c' to 'qu'.

Avoid 'Eu significo'

Erase 'eu significo' from your mind when trying to translate 'I mean'. Always default to 'quero dizer' when clarifying your own statements.

Mix it Up

To sound more fluent and less repetitive, alternate between 'significar' and 'querer dizer' in casual conversation, and use 'representar' in formal writing.

Listen for the 'Que'

When native speakers talk fast, 'significa que' often sounds like one word ('significaque'). Train your ear to catch this common chunk of language.

Emotional Weight

Don't be afraid to use 'Você significa muito para mim' with close friends in Brazil. It's a culturally appropriate and warm way to express platonic love and appreciation.

Context Clues

When reading the news, look for 'significa' to find the journalist's analysis of an event. It usually precedes the explanation of why a news story matters.

Intonation Matters

When asking 'O que significa?', raise your pitch at the end of the sentence to clearly indicate a question, as Portuguese relies heavily on intonation for interrogatives.

Use the Noun Form

In formal essays, sometimes it's better to use the noun 'significado' instead of the verb. E.g., 'O significado desta obra é profundo' instead of 'Esta obra significa algo profundo'.

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기억법

Think of 'SIGNIFY-car'. A SIGN on a CAR tells you what it MEANS (like a taxi sign).

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Brazilians often use 'querer dizer' instead of 'significar' in very informal spoken Portuguese.

In European Portuguese, the pronunciation of the 'c' in 'significar' is often more clipped and precise than in Brazil.

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"O que o seu nome significa?"

"O que a liberdade significa para você?"

"O que significa essa tatuagem?"

"O que o sucesso significa na sua vida?"

"O que significa ser um bom amigo?"

일기 주제

Escreva sobre uma pessoa que significa muito para você.

O que a palavra 'felicidade' significa na sua opinião?

Descreva um evento que significou uma grande mudança na sua vida.

O que significa ter sucesso profissional?

Se o seu animal de estimação pudesse falar, o que os latidos/miados dele significariam?

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No, this is a very common mistake. In Portuguese, 'significar' is used for words, signs, or actions having a meaning. If you want to say 'I mean' as a conversational filler or to clarify your own thoughts, you must use 'Eu quero dizer' or simply 'Quero dizer'.

This is an orthographic rule in Portuguese. Verbs ending in '-car' change the 'c' to 'qu' before the letter 'e' to maintain the hard /k/ sound. If you wrote 'significei', it would be pronounced with an /s/ sound, which changes the root of the word.

No. If the sentence is affirmative and states a fact, you use the indicative (e.g., 'Isso significa que ele está feliz'). You only use the subjunctive when the sentence is negative, expressing doubt or denying a reality (e.g., 'Isso não significa que ele esteja feliz').

'Significar' translates to 'to mean' or 'to signify', while 'importar' translates to 'to matter'. While you can say 'Você significa muito para mim' (You mean a lot to me), you cannot say 'Isso não significa para mim' to say 'I don't care'. You must say 'Isso não importa para mim'.

In many contexts, yes. 'Querer dizer' is a very common, slightly more informal synonym for 'significar' when asking for definitions (O que quer dizer isso?). However, 'querer dizer' can also be used for human intention (O que ele quis dizer? = What did he mean to say?), whereas 'significar' is better for the objective meaning of the words themselves.

The most common and natural way is to say 'O que significa a palavra [word]?' or simply 'O que significa [word]?'. You can also ask 'Qual é o significado de [word]?' using the noun form.

Yes, absolutely. The verb must agree with its subject. If you are asking about multiple things, you use the plural form 'significam'. For example: 'O que significam essas luzes?' (What do these lights mean?).

It is a neutral word. It is used in the most casual conversations (asking about slang) and in the most formal academic papers (discussing semiotics). Its formality depends entirely on the context and the words surrounding it.

When you want to say that something means a lot to someone, you use the preposition 'para'. For example: 'Esta casa significa muito para mim' (This house means a lot to me).

Yes. You can use the simple future (significará) or the compound future (vai significar). For example: 'Esta decisão vai significar o fim da empresa' (This decision is going to mean the end of the company).