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?).
Explanation at your level:
Signification
Asking for the definition of a word.
Contexte culturel
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.
Signification
Asking for the definition of a word.
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.
Teste-toi
Select the correct way to ask for a definition.
____ 'casa'?
Use 'Che significa' to ask for the meaning of a word.
Complete the sentence.
Non capisco questa parola. ____?
The context is not understanding a word, so we use the definition question.
Match the question to the intent.
Che significa?
This phrase is specifically for definitions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Ho visto un cartello con scritto 'Vietato'. B: ____?
B wants to know the meaning of the sign.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Questions fréquentes
8 questionsYes, 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.
Expressions liées
Cosa vuol dire?
synonymWhat does it mean?
Cosa intendi?
similarWhat do you mean?
Spiegami
builds onExplain to me
Où l'utiliser
Classroom
Student: Professore, che significa 'obbligatorio'?
Street
Tourist: Scusi, che significa questo cartello?
Texting
Friend: Che significa quell'emoji?
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Sign' (significa) in the word. You are looking for the 'sign' of the word.
Visual Association
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.
Word Web
Défi
Ask 'Che significa?' for 5 new words today.
In Other Languages
¿Qué significa?
Pronunciation of the 'que' vs 'che'.
Qu'est-ce que ça veut dire?
French is more verbose than the direct Italian 'Che significa'.
Was bedeutet das?
German word order is strictly V2.
どういう意味ですか？ (Dōiu imi desu ka?)
Japanese is noun-based, Italian is verb-based.
ماذا يعني هذا؟ (Madha ya'ni hadha?)
Arabic grammar requires specific gender agreement for the object.
Easily Confused
Learners confuse 'Che significa' (meaning) with 'Che fai' (action).
Use 'significa' for words, 'fai' for actions.
Learners use 'Che significa' to ask 'Why'.
Use 'Perché' for reasons.
Learners mix up asking for a definition vs asking for a translation.
'Come si dice' is for 'How do you say X in Italian'.
FAQ (8)
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.
