Phrase in 30 Seconds
Use this phrase to ask for the definition or explanation of a word or concept you don't understand.
- Means: Asking for the definition of a specific word or phrase.
- Used in: Classrooms, casual conversations, or when reading signs.
- Don't confuse: Don't use '¿Qué significa?' to ask 'How are you?'
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
To ask for the definition or explanation of a word or phrase.
Cultural Background
People are very direct. If you don't understand, just ask.
Use it often
Don't be afraid to ask.
Use it often
Don't be afraid to ask.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
¿Qué _________ esta palabra?
The subject is 'esta palabra' (singular), so we use the third-person singular form.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
2 exercises¿Qué _________ esta palabra?
The subject is 'esta palabra' (singular), so we use the third-person singular form.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsNo, use '¿Qué quieres decir?'
Related Phrases
¿Qué quiere decir?
synonymWhat does it want to say?
Where to Use It
Reading a menu
You: ¿Qué significa 'gazpacho'?
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of a 'Sign' (significa) pointing to a meaning.
Visual Association
Imagine a giant question mark hovering over a word you don't know.
Story
You are in a cafe in Madrid. You see 'Churros' on the menu. You point and ask the waiter, '¿Qué significa?'. He smiles and brings you a plate.
In Other Languages
Most languages have a direct equivalent like 'What does it mean?' in English or 'Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire?' in French.
Word Web
Challenge
Ask a native speaker or a language app for the meaning of 5 new words today.
Review this phrase every time you learn a new word this week.
Pronunciation
Clear vowels.
Formality Spectrum
¿Podría indicarme qué significa este término? (General)
¿Qué significa esto? (General)
¿Qué significa eso? (General)
¿Qué onda con eso? (General)
From Latin 'significare', meaning to show by signs.
Fun Fact
The word 'sign' is hidden inside the verb.
Cultural Notes
People are very direct. If you don't understand, just ask.
“¿Qué significa esto?”
Conversation Starters
Ask your partner about a new word.
Common Mistakes
¿Qué significa tú?
¿Qué significa esto?
L1 Interference
In Other Languages
Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire?
French focuses on the intent of the word, Spanish on the sign.
Was bedeutet das?
German word order is strictly V2.
これはどういう意味ですか？ (Kore wa dōiu imi desu ka?)
Japanese requires a noun-based structure.
ماذا يعني هذا؟ (Madha ya'ni hadha?)
Arabic is highly root-based.
这是什么意思？ (Zhè shì shénme yìsi?)
Chinese does not use a verb for 'to mean'.
이게 무슨 뜻이에요? (Ige museun tteusieyo?)
Korean uses honorific endings.
O que significa isso?
Minor phonetic differences.
What does it mean?
Spanish does not use an auxiliary verb.
Spotted in the Real World
“¿Qué significa esto?”
Learning
Easily Confused
Learners think it means 'What does it mean?'
This means 'What do you want?'
Frequently Asked Questions (1)
No, use '¿Qué quieres decir?'
common mistakes
