O que significa...?
What does ... mean?
Literally: {"o":"what","que":"that","significa":"means"}
In 15 Seconds
- Asks for the meaning of a word or phrase.
- Works in casual chats and formal settings.
- Add the unknown term after `o que significa`.
- Essential for language learning and daily communication.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase when you're totally stumped by a word or sentence. Think of it as a polite way to say, 'Huh? What's that supposed to mean?' It’s super useful for clearing up confusion, whether you're reading a tricky text or just trying to understand a friend's inside joke. It carries a vibe of genuine curiosity and a desire to learn.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a new slang term
Cara, o que significa 'cringe'?
Dude, what does 'cringe' mean?
Reading a recipe online
O que significa 'refogar' neste contexto?
What does 'sauté' mean in this context?
Watching a foreign film with subtitles
O que significa essa palavra em português: 'saudade'?
What does this word in Portuguese mean: 'saudade'?
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'O que significa' to ask about the 'vibe' or 'intent' of a person, not just words. It's part of a high-context culture where meaning is often between the lines. In Portugal, you might hear 'O que é que significa...?' adding an extra 'é que' for emphasis. It's very common in European Portuguese syntax. In Luanda, the phrase is often used to clarify 'Kimbundu' loanwords that have entered the local Portuguese dialect. On Brazilian Twitter/X, 'O que significa' is often used sarcastically when someone posts something confusing or controversial.
Use it to stay in the language
Instead of switching to English when you don't know a word, use 'O que significa...?' to keep the conversation in Portuguese.
Don't forget the 'O'
Starting with just 'Que significa' sounds like you're reading from an old book. Always add the 'O' for a natural sound.
In 15 Seconds
- Asks for the meaning of a word or phrase.
- Works in casual chats and formal settings.
- Add the unknown term after `o que significa`.
- Essential for language learning and daily communication.
What It Means
This phrase is your friendly request for clarification. It's how you ask someone to explain something they've said or written. You're basically saying, 'I don't understand this part, can you break it down for me?' It's a fundamental tool for communication, especially when you're navigating a new language or complex topic. It signals that you want to understand and are open to learning.
How To Use It
Simply put the word or phrase you don't understand right after o que significa. For example, if you see the word saudade and don't know it, you'd ask, O que significa saudade? You can also use it for entire sentences or even abstract concepts. It’s versatile! Think of it like pointing at something confusing and asking for the secret decoder ring.
Formality & Register
This phrase is wonderfully flexible. You can use it in almost any situation. With close friends, it's casual and direct. In a professional email, it sounds polite and engaged. On a social media comment, it shows you're interacting and seeking knowledge. It’s like a linguistic Swiss Army knife, adapting to your needs. Just remember to adjust your tone and the surrounding words to match the situation.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you're watching a Brazilian telenovela and hear a strange idiom. You'd pause and text your friend, O que significa essa expressão? Or you're reading a news article about a new tech gadget, and a technical term pops up. You'd highlight it and ask Google, O que significa 'blockchain'? Even in a job interview via Zoom, if the interviewer uses a term you're unfamiliar with, you might politely interject, Desculpe, o que significa essa palavra, por favor? It's used everywhere!
When To Use It
Use o que significa whenever you encounter something you don't understand. This includes:
- Unfamiliar vocabulary in books or articles.
- Slang or idioms your friends use.
- Instructions you find confusing (like IKEA furniture manuals!).
- Technical jargon in a meeting.
- A song lyric that puzzles you.
- A meme that went over your head.
Basically, if your brain goes 'huh?', this phrase is your best friend. It's better than pretending you understood and nodding along like a bobblehead.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using o que significa if you *actually* understand the word or phrase. Don't ask O que significa 'água' significa? unless you're making a joke about water. Also, if you can easily look it up yourself (like a common word in a children's book), it might seem a bit lazy. Try to figure out simpler things first. It's also not ideal for expressing opinions; it's strictly for seeking definitions. Don't ask O que significa que você não gosta de feijoada? – that's asking for a reason, not a definition!
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes forget to add the word or phrase they're asking about. Just saying O que significa? on its own can sound abrupt or incomplete, like asking 'What?' without context. Another error is using it for something obvious. A common slip-up is also trying to translate a whole sentence this way instead of asking for a summary or explanation. Remember, it's for *meaning*, not for general conversation.
Common Variations
- Casual/Texting:
O q significa?(using 'q' for 'que') or evenoq significa?. - Slightly more formal:
Poderia me explicar o que significa...?(Could you explain to me what... means?). - Regional: In Portugal, you might hear
O que quer dizer...?which is very similar. - Emphasis:
Mas o que significa isso, afinal?(But what does that mean, after all?).
These variations help you sound more natural depending on who you're talking to and where you are.
Real Conversations
Speaker 1: E aí, viu o novo post daquela influenciadora?
Speaker 2: Vi! Mas não entendi a legenda. O que significa 'vibe' nesse contexto?
Speaker 1: Ah, 'vibe' é tipo a energia ou o sentimento do lugar ou da situação.
Speaker 1: Preciso de ajuda com este relatório. Tem uma sigla aqui: 'KPI'.
Speaker 2: O que significa KPI?
Speaker 1: É 'Key Performance Indicator'. São métricas importantes para o negócio.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I use this for any word?
A: Yes, you can use o que significa for any word or phrase you don't understand. It's a universal question for definitions.
Q: Is it rude to ask?
A: Not at all! It's a polite way to seek understanding. Adding por favor (please) makes it even more courteous.
Q: What if I don't know the exact word?
A: You can describe it! For example, O que significa aquela palavra que parece 'bonito' mas é mais forte? (What does that word that sounds like 'pretty' but is stronger mean?).
Usage Notes
This is a versatile phrase suitable for most registers, from casual chats to professional emails. While neutral on its own, adding polite terms like `por favor` enhances formality. Avoid using it for obvious words or when a simple dictionary lookup suffices, to prevent sounding demanding.
Use it to stay in the language
Instead of switching to English when you don't know a word, use 'O que significa...?' to keep the conversation in Portuguese.
Don't forget the 'O'
Starting with just 'Que significa' sounds like you're reading from an old book. Always add the 'O' for a natural sound.
Be ready for a long answer
Brazilians love to explain things. One question might lead to a whole cultural lesson!
Examples
12Cara, o que significa 'cringe'?
Dude, what does 'cringe' mean?
Asking a friend directly about a trendy slang word.
O que significa 'refogar' neste contexto?
What does 'sauté' mean in this context?
Used to clarify a cooking term.
O que significa essa palavra em português: 'saudade'?
What does this word in Portuguese mean: 'saudade'?
Asking for the meaning of a specific, culturally significant word.
Com licença, o que significa a sigla 'ROI' que o senhor mencionou?
Excuse me, what does the acronym 'ROI' you mentioned mean?
Politely asking for the definition of a business acronym.
Adorei a foto! Mas o que significa 'wanderlust'?
Loved the photo! But what does 'wanderlust' mean?
Asking about a commonly used English word in a Portuguese caption.
Gente, o que significa 'paradoxo'? Não entendi a questão 5.
Guys, what does 'paradox' mean? I didn't understand question 5.
Clarifying a concept for academic purposes.
✗ O que significa você ir à festa? → ✓ Por que você vai à festa?
✗ What means you go to the party? → ✓ Why are you going to the party?
Using 'o que significa' when asking 'why' is needed.
✗ O que significa 'sol' em português? → ✓ O que significa 'sun' em português?
✗ What does 'sun' mean in Portuguese? → ✓ What does 'sun' mean in Portuguese?
Asking the meaning of a word already in the target language (unless it's a specific context). Better to ask 'What does X mean in English?' or 'What does Y mean?' if Y is Portuguese.
Meu gato ficou me olhando fixamente. O que significa isso? Ele quer algo?
My cat stared at me intently. What does that mean? Does he want something?
Humorously asking for the interpretation of an animal's behavior.
Recebi uma mensagem estranha... o que significa 'Adeus para sempre'?
I received a strange message... what does 'Goodbye forever' mean?
Asking for clarification on a message with emotional weight.
Estou em Lisboa e vi essa placa. O que significa 'sentido único'?
I'm in Lisbon and saw this sign. What does 'one-way street' mean?
Asking for clarification of a traffic sign while traveling.
No app diz 'entrega estimada em 45 min'. O que significa 'estimada'?
The app says 'estimated delivery in 45 min'. What does 'estimated' mean?
Clarifying a term used in a service app.
Test Yourself
Complete the question to ask for the meaning of 'janela'.
O que _______ 'janela'?
'Significa' is the correct third-person singular form for a single word.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask for a definition in Portuguese?
Select the correct sentence:
'O que significa' is the standard, natural way to ask.
Match the Portuguese phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the items:
These are all variations of asking for clarification.
Complete the dialogue between a student and a teacher.
Aluno: Professor, eu não entendo a palavra 'borboleta'. _______? Professor: Significa 'butterfly'.
The student is asking for the meaning of a word they already heard.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO que _______ 'janela'?
'Significa' is the correct third-person singular form for a single word.
Select the correct sentence:
'O que significa' is the standard, natural way to ask.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all variations of asking for clarification.
Aluno: Professor, eu não entendo a palavra 'borboleta'. _______? Professor: Significa 'butterfly'.
The student is asking for the meaning of a word they already heard.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, for people we ask 'Quem é...?' (Who is...?). You only use 'O que significa' for words, concepts, or symbols.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
They are interchangeable. 'Quer dizer' is slightly more idiomatic and common in Portugal.
Just say 'O que significa esta frase?' (What does this sentence mean?).
The 'é que' is a filler phrase used for emphasis, very common in Portugal.
Related Phrases
O que quer dizer
synonymWhat does it want to say?
Como se diz
contrastHow do you say...?
Qual é o significado de
specialized formWhat is the meaning of...?
O que é isso
similarWhat is this?
