significarvsquerer decir
/seeg-nee-fee-KAR/
/keh-RER deh-SEER/
💡 Quick Rule
Significar = definition. Querer decir = intention.
Think: Significar = a Signal or Sign's meaning. Querer decir = what a person Wants (quiere) to say (decir).
- You can use 'significar' to talk about emotional importance, like 'Esto significa mucho para mí' (This means a lot to me).
📊 Comparison Table
| Context | significar | querer decir | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asking about meaning | ¿Qué significa esta señal? | ¿Qué quieres decir con eso? | Use 'significar' for the meaning of a thing (word, sign). Use 'querer decir' for the intention behind a person's words. |
| Explaining an implication | Una fiebre alta significa una infección. | Eso quiere decir que no vendrás. | 'Significar' states a formal or factual connection. 'Querer decir' explains a conclusion in a more conversational way. |
| Referring to words | La palabra 'hogar' significa más que 'casa'. | Quise decir 'martes', no 'miércoles'. | 'Significar' explains the definition of a word. 'Querer decir' clarifies which word a person intended to use. |
✅ When to Use "significar" / querer decir
significar
To mean, signify, or represent (used for definitions, symbols, and abstract importance)
/seeg-nee-fee-KAR/
Dictionary definitions
¿Qué significa la palabra 'nostalgia'?
What does the word 'nostalgia' mean?
What a symbol represents
La paloma blanca significa la paz.
The white dove signifies peace.
Emotional importance or significance
Tu amistad significa todo para mí.
Your friendship means everything to me.
querer decir
To mean (used for what a person is trying to say, for clarification, or for an implication)
/keh-RER deh-SEER/
Asking for clarification from a person
No entiendo, ¿qué quieres decir con eso?
I don't understand, what do you mean by that?
Explaining your own words
No es que no me guste... quiero decir que ahora no tengo hambre.
It's not that I don't like it... I mean that I'm not hungry right now.
Explaining an implication or consequence
Si el cielo está nublado, quiere decir que probablemente lloverá.
If the sky is cloudy, it means it will probably rain.
🔄 Contrast Examples
With "significar":
En el arte, un reloj de arena a menudo significa la brevedad de la vida.
In art, an hourglass often signifies the brevity of life.
With "querer decir":
Con este reloj de arena, el artista quiere decir que debemos aprovechar el tiempo.
With this hourglass, the artist means to say that we should seize the day.
The Difference: 'Significar' states the general, accepted meaning of a symbol. 'Querer decir' explains the specific message or intention the artist had.
With "significar":
Su silencio significa que no está de acuerdo.
His silence signifies that he doesn't agree.
With "querer decir":
Él no dijo nada. ¿Quieres decir que no le gustó la idea?
He didn't say anything. Do you mean he didn't like the idea?
The Difference: 'Significar' is used for a more formal or detached interpretation of an action's meaning. 'Querer decir' is used in conversation to ask about or state an implication.
🎨 Visual Comparison
'Significar' is for what a thing represents. 'Querer decir' is for what a person intends to say.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
¿Qué significas?
¿Qué quieres decir?
Asking a person '¿Qué significas?' sounds like you're asking for their dictionary definition. To ask what someone is trying to say, always use 'querer decir'.
¿Qué quiere decir esta palabra en el diccionario?
¿Qué significa esta palabra en el diccionario?
For official definitions of words, signs, or symbols, 'significar' is the correct choice. 'Querer decir' implies a personal interpretation.
📚 Related Grammar
Want to understand the grammar behind this pair? Explore these lessons for a deep dive:
🏷️ Key Words
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: Significar vs Querer Decir
Question 1 of 3
If you don't understand what your friend just said, you should ask:
🏷️ Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ever use 'querer decir' for the definition of a word?
While 'significar' is standard for dictionary definitions, you might hear 'querer decir' used informally, especially if someone is explaining a word's meaning in their own terms rather than giving a formal definition. But as a learner, it's safest to stick to 'significar' for definitions.
Is 'querer decir' always used with people?
Mostly, yes, it relates to human intention. However, it can also be used for the implications of a situation, like 'Esta nube quiere decir que va a llover' (This cloud means it's going to rain). Think of it as what the situation is 'trying to tell you'.