In 15 Seconds
- The primary way to ask for a definition or explanation.
- Works in both formal and informal settings without any changes.
- Can be used alone or followed by a specific word.
Meaning
This is your go-to tool for asking what something means. Use it when you see a word you don't know or someone says something confusing.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a restaurant looking at a menu
O que significa 'picanha'?
What does 'picanha' mean?
In a business meeting
Desculpe, o que significa essa sigla?
Sorry, what does this acronym mean?
Texting a friend who used slang
O que significa 'valeu'?
What does 'valeu' mean?
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'O que quer dizer?' as a more informal and rhythmic alternative to 'O que significa?'. In Portugal, the phrase is often expanded to 'O que é que significa?', which sounds more natural to the local ear. In Angolan Portuguese, you might hear 'O que significa?' used to ask about the value or price of something in very informal markets, though 'Quanto custa?' is standard. In Mozambique, the phrase is used frequently to bridge the gap between Portuguese and local Bantu languages like Emakhuwa or Changana.
Use it often!
Don't be afraid to sound like a beginner. Native speakers love explaining their language.
Not for translation
Remember: 'O que significa' is for when you HAVE the Portuguese word but NOT the meaning.
In 15 Seconds
- The primary way to ask for a definition or explanation.
- Works in both formal and informal settings without any changes.
- Can be used alone or followed by a specific word.
What It Means
O que significa? is the most essential question in your Portuguese toolkit. It literally translates to "What does it mean?" but it functions as your bridge to understanding. It is simple, direct, and incredibly useful. You use it to clarify words, symbols, or even abstract concepts. It is the phrase that turns every conversation into a mini-lesson. It shows you are curious and engaged with the language.
How To Use It
Using it is a breeze. You usually place the word you don't know right after the phrase. For example: O que significa 'saudade'? You can also point at a sign or a menu item and just ask the question alone. If someone says a long sentence and you are lost, just look slightly puzzled and ask O que significa isso? (What does that mean?). It works perfectly with nouns, verbs, or entire expressions. It is like a universal key for unlocking new vocabulary.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you feel that 'lost in translation' feeling. It is perfect for the grocery store when looking at weird fruit. Use it in a meeting when a colleague uses a technical acronym. It is great for texting when your friend uses a slang word you haven't seen. Use it when reading a book or watching a movie with subtitles. It is a sign of intelligence, not a sign of weakness. People generally love explaining their language to others.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are asking for someone's opinion or intention. If you want to ask "What do you mean by that?" in a confrontational way, this might sound too literal. In those cases, O que você quer dizer? is a better fit. Also, avoid using it repeatedly in a single minute. You might start to sound like a broken record or a toddler. If you have many questions, try to space them out. Don't use it to ask for the price of something; that's a different verb entirely!
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers are generally very proud of their language's complexity. When you ask O que significa?, you often get a passionate explanation. In Brazil, people might give you a long story to explain a single word. In Portugal, the explanation might be more concise but equally helpful. There is a cultural respect for those trying to learn the 'lingua de Camões'. It is a phrase that builds rapport and shows you value the local culture.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, you can say O que quer dizer?. This is very common in everyday speech. In Brazil, you might hear O que que significa? adding an extra 'que' for emphasis. If you are pointing at something specific, you can say O que significa essa palavra?. For a more formal setting, you could start with Pode me dizer o que significa...?. All of these lead to the same result: more knowledge for you!
Usage Notes
The phrase is universally safe. No matter the social situation, it remains the standard way to seek clarification without sounding rude or overly formal.
Use it often!
Don't be afraid to sound like a beginner. Native speakers love explaining their language.
Not for translation
Remember: 'O que significa' is for when you HAVE the Portuguese word but NOT the meaning.
The 'é que' trick
If you are in Portugal, add 'é que' (O que é que significa?) to sound like a local instantly.
Gestures matter
You can use this phrase while pointing at an object or a gesture to ask for its cultural meaning.
Examples
6O que significa 'picanha'?
What does 'picanha' mean?
Asking about a specific food item you don't recognize.
Desculpe, o que significa essa sigla?
Sorry, what does this acronym mean?
A polite way to clarify professional jargon.
O que significa 'valeu'?
What does 'valeu' mean?
Clarifying informal language used in chat.
O que significa aquele sinal ali?
What does that sign over there mean?
Using a demonstrative pronoun to point something out.
Você disse 'pagar o pato'? O que significa isso?!
You said 'pay the duck'? What does that mean?!
Expressing amusement at a strange-sounding idiom.
O que significa o amor para você?
What does love mean to you?
Using the phrase for a philosophical or emotional question.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.
O que ______ 'caneta' em inglês?
We use the 3rd person singular 'significa' because the subject is 'o que'.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask for a definition?
You see a word you don't know in a book. What do you say?
'O que' is the correct interrogative for asking 'what'.
Match the phrase with its context.
Match the following:
The phrase adapts to different contexts based on what follows it.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você viu o novo filme? B: Sim, mas não entendi o final. O que ______ aquela cena da chuva?
Since the movie was already watched, the past tense 'significou' is most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO que ______ 'caneta' em inglês?
We use the 3rd person singular 'significa' because the subject is 'o que'.
You see a word you don't know in a book. What do you say?
'O que' is the correct interrogative for asking 'what'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
The phrase adapts to different contexts based on what follows it.
A: Você viu o novo filme? B: Sim, mas não entendi o final. O que ______ aquela cena da chuva?
Since the movie was already watched, the past tense 'significou' is most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you are pointing at something and your rising intonation makes it a question, but 'O que significa?' is much clearer.
In Brazil, yes, especially in spoken conversation. In Portugal, both are used equally.
Just say 'O que significa esta frase?'.
It's a neuter pronoun meaning 'That which'. It makes the question 'That which signifies what?'.
Yes! 'Você significa muito para mim' means 'You mean a lot to me'.
Not at all. It shows you are paying attention and want to learn.
If asking about multiple things: 'O que significam estas palavras?'.
Yes: 'O que significou aquilo?'.
Not really a slang version of the phrase, but you'd use slang to answer it!
Absolutely. 'O que significa este emoji?'.
Related Phrases
O que quer dizer?
synonymWhat does it want to say?
Qual o significado?
similarWhat is the meaning?
Como se diz?
contrastHow do you say?
O que você acha?
contrastWhat do you think?
Ou seja
builds onIn other words
