Learn How To Say “What Does That Mean?” In Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide

To say “What does that mean?” in Spanish, you can use the literal translation “¿Qué significa eso?”, but it may sound formal. Alternatively, you can use the less formal “¿Qué quiere decir eso?”. For formal contexts, conjugate the verb “significa” (to mean) based on the subject, e.g., “¿Qué significa eso para mí?” (What does that mean to me?). In informal settings, use “¿Qué quiere decir eso?”, which is suitable for casual conversations or with friends.

How to Ask “What Does That Mean?” in Spanish: A Guide to Literal and Informal Translations

When studying a new language, it’s essential to master phrases that facilitate communication. Asking for clarification is crucial, and knowing how to say “What does that mean?” in Spanish is paramount.

Literal Translation: ¿Qué significa eso?

The straightforward translation of “What does that mean?” into Spanish is ¿Qué significa eso?. This phrase translates each word of the English sentence, resulting in a literal translation.

While this translation is grammatically correct, it’s not commonly used in formal settings. It might sound robotic and unnatural. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using this phrase in professional or academic contexts.

Recommended Phrases for Formal Contexts

For formal situations, such as a business meeting or an interview, consider using the following phrases:

• ¿Podría explicar lo que quiere decir con eso? (Could you explain what you mean by that?)
• ¿Me podría aclarar el significado de esa frase? (Could you clarify the meaning of that sentence?)
• Lo siento, no entiendo qué significa. ¿Podría reformularlo? (I’m sorry, I don’t understand what you mean. Could you rephrase it?)

These phrases are polite and respectful, ensuring that your request for clarification is received well.

Understanding the Essence of “¿Qué Significa Eso?” (What Does That Mean?)

Conjugating “Significa”: Unlocking the Meaning

In the tapestry of Spanish language, the verb “significa” (to mean) plays a crucial role in unraveling the enigma of “¿Qué significa eso?” (What does that mean?). This versatile verb undergoes a series of transformations, known as conjugation, to adapt to different subjects and contexts.

To correctly convey the phrase “What does that mean?”, we embark on a grammatical journey. In this context, the subject is often understood to be “eso” (that), which takes the third-person singular form. Therefore, the appropriate conjugation of “significa” is “significa” in the present tense.

For a more in-depth understanding, let’s explore the conjugation of “significa” in all six subject forms in the present tense:

• Yo significo – I mean
• Tú significas – You mean
• Él/Ella/Usted significa – He/She/You mean
• Nosotros significamos – We mean
• Vosotros significáis – You mean (plural, informal)
• Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes significan – They/You mean (plural)

Mastering the Art of Conjugation

Remember, conjugation is the key to unlocking the full potential of Spanish verbs. By mastering this grammatical aspect, we gain the ability to express our thoughts and ideas with precision and clarity. So, let’s practice the conjugation of “significa” until it becomes second nature, empowering us to unravel the meaning behind every “¿Qué significa eso?” that comes our way.

Informal Translation: ¿Qué quiere decir eso?

In informal contexts, Spanish speakers often opt for a more colloquial translation of “What does that mean?”—¿Qué quiere decir eso?. This phrase literally translates to “What does that want to say?” and conveys a more relaxed and conversational tone.

The querer (to want) in this translation softens the formality of significar and suggests that the speaker is seeking a clearer explanation. It’s commonly used in casual conversations, friendly banter, and situations where a direct translation may come across as too formal.

For example, if you’re chatting with a friend and they utter a peculiar statement, you might ask ¿Qué quiere decir eso? to playfully seek further clarification or to express that their words have left you bewildered.

While ¿Qué quiere decir eso? is generally appropriate in informal settings, it’s essential to be mindful of the context and audience. In more formal environments, such as professional meetings or presentations, it’s advisable to use the formal translation ¿Qué significa eso? to maintain a professional demeanor.

Recommended Phrases

• Provide a table or list of the recommended phrases to say “What does that mean?” in both formal and informal contexts.
• Include examples of usage in different situations.

Recommended Phrases to Say “What Does That Mean?” in Spanish

Unlocking the meaning behind words and phrases is crucial for effective communication. In Spanish, there are several ways to express the question “What does that mean?” Depending on the formality of the situation, you can choose from a range of phrases to convey your inquiry politely and accurately.

Formal Context

In formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions, ¿Qué significa eso? is the most appropriate phrase to use. This literal translation of “What does that mean?” is direct and to the point.

Informal Context

For more casual conversations, you can use the phrase ¿Qué quiere decir eso?. This translation, which means “What do you want to say with that?”, is less formal but still conveys the same meaning.

Example Usage

Formal:

“¿Qué significa eso? No entiendo la importancia de este concepto.”

(What does that mean? I don’t understand the significance of this concept.)

Informal:

“¡Ey, amigo! ¿Qué quiere decir eso? ¿Estás intentando decir que no me crees?”

(Hey, dude! What do you mean? Are you trying to say you don’t believe me?)

Additional Phrases

In certain situations, you may encounter alternative ways to ask “What does that mean?” that are more specific or idiomatic. Here are a few examples:

• ¿Qué significa esto exactamente? (What does this mean exactly?)
• ¿Podrías explicarme qué quiere decir con eso? (Could you explain what you mean by that?)
• ¿Cómo debo interpretar esto? (How should I interpret this?)

By mastering these phrases, you can confidently navigate conversations in both formal and informal Spanish settings. Remember to choose the appropriate phrase that aligns with the formality of the situation and the level of politeness you wish to convey.