Meaning
Used to clarify or rephrase something in simpler terms.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'es decir' is used in both formal and informal contexts. It is a standard marker for clarity. In Mexico, 'o sea' is significantly more common in casual conversation than 'es decir'. Argentines often use 'o sea' or 'es decir' interchangeably, but 'o sea' is very frequent in youth slang. In Colombia, 'es decir' is used in professional settings, while 'o sea' is common in social settings.
Keep it simple
Don't overthink the grammar. It's an invariant phrase.
Not a question
Never use it to ask a question. Use '¿Quieres decir...?' instead.
Meaning
Used to clarify or rephrase something in simpler terms.
Keep it simple
Don't overthink the grammar. It's an invariant phrase.
Not a question
Never use it to ask a question. Use '¿Quieres decir...?' instead.
Use it in emails
It's a great way to clarify instructions in professional emails.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
El examen es mañana, ________ tenemos poco tiempo.
The sentence is clarifying the consequence of the exam being tomorrow.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option.
When introducing a clause, 'que' is often used for clarity.
Match the phrase with its purpose.
Match 'es decir' to its function.
Es decir is used to clarify or rephrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: El servicio es gratuito. B: ¿Qué significa? A: ________, no tienes que pagar nada.
The speaker is clarifying what 'gratuito' means.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEl examen es mañana, ________ tenemos poco tiempo.
The sentence is clarifying the consequence of the exam being tomorrow.
Choose the best option.
When introducing a clause, 'que' is often used for clarity.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Es decir is used to clarify or rephrase.
A: El servicio es gratuito. B: ¿Qué significa? A: ________, no tienes que pagar nada.
The speaker is clarifying what 'gratuito' means.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. It fits in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, it is very common to start a sentence with 'Es decir, ...'.
'O sea' is more informal and common in Latin America.
No, it is not a question marker.
Yes, it is universally understood.
No, it is an invariant phrase.
It depends on your region (Spain vs. Latin America).
Yes, it is very common in essays, emails, and reports.
Yes, but be polite.
They have different functions. 'Es decir' clarifies; 'mejor dicho' corrects.
Related Phrases
o sea
synonymin other words
mejor dicho
similarbetter said
esto es
similarthat is
en otras palabras
synonymin other words
