Meaning
Used to ask for the meaning of a word or phrase.
Cultural Background
Using this phrase is a great way to show you are making an effort to learn. Locals usually respond with simpler Spanish or synonyms rather than just translating to English. In Spain, you will frequently hear '¿Qué quiere decir?' as an alternative. It is slightly more common in spoken conversation than '¿Qué significa?'. In Mexico, if someone says something shocking, you might hear '¿Qué significa esto?' with a tone of 'What's going on here?'. It's a common dramatic line in Telenovelas.
The Point-and-Ask
If you don't know the word for something, just point at it and say '¿Qué significa esto?'. It's the fastest way to learn nouns.
Watch your tone
If you say it loudly with a frown, it sounds like 'What is the meaning of this?!' (angry). Keep your tone rising at the end for a friendly question.
Meaning
Used to ask for the meaning of a word or phrase.
The Point-and-Ask
If you don't know the word for something, just point at it and say '¿Qué significa esto?'. It's the fastest way to learn nouns.
Watch your tone
If you say it loudly with a frown, it sounds like 'What is the meaning of this?!' (angry). Keep your tone rising at the end for a friendly question.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct question to ask for a definition.
You see the word 'Cerveza' and don't know it. What do you say?
We use 'Qué' to ask for definitions in Spanish.
Fill in the missing word.
¿Qué _______ esto?
'Esto' is singular, so we use the third-person singular form of the verb.
Match the phrase to the intent.
Match '¿Qué significa esto?' with its best context.
This phrase is specifically for meanings and definitions.
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: 'Tengo mucha hambre.' Tom: '¿Qué _______ "hambre"?'
Tom is asking for the meaning of the word Ana just used.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYou see the word 'Cerveza' and don't know it. What do you say?
We use 'Qué' to ask for definitions in Spanish.
¿Qué _______ esto?
'Esto' is singular, so we use the third-person singular form of the verb.
Match '¿Qué significa esto?' with its best context.
This phrase is specifically for meanings and definitions.
Ana: 'Tengo mucha hambre.' Tom: '¿Qué _______ "hambre"?'
Tom is asking for the meaning of the word Ana just used.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, for people use '¿Quién es?' (Who is he/she?).
Always use 'esto' (neutral) if you don't know the gender of the thing you are asking about.
Not at all! Spanish speakers generally love it when you show interest in their language.
Related Phrases
¿Cómo se dice...?
similarHow do you say...?
¿Qué quiere decir?
synonymWhat does it want to say?
No entiendo
builds onI don't understand
