significado
/sig-ni-fi-KAH-doh/
meaning
This image captures the significado (meaning) of the heart symbol through a concrete action.
significado(noun)
meaning
?The definition of a word or symbol
sense
?The intended interpretation
,definition
?Formal explanation
📝 In Action
¿Cuál es el significado de la palabra 'paciencia'?
A1What is the meaning of the word 'patience'?
No entendí el significado de su gesto.
A2I didn't understand the meaning of his gesture.
El diccionario ofrece varios significados para esta expresión.
A2The dictionary offers several meanings for this expression.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Remember that significado is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el significado' (the meaning).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Significado' and 'Significación'
Mistake: "Using 'significación' when referring to the definition of a word."
Correction: Use *significado* for the definition. *Significación* is a more formal and less common synonym for 'importance' or 'connotation'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Asking for Definitions
A very natural way to ask for a definition is simply: '¿Qué significa [word]?' (What does [word] mean?). But if you want the noun, use '¿Cuál es el significado...?'
The brightly lit crown demonstrates its significado (significance) or importance compared to its surroundings.
significado(noun)
significance
?Importance or relevance
import
?Formal importance
,implication
?The hidden meaning
📝 In Action
El evento tuvo un gran significado histórico para la región.
B1The event had great historical significance for the region.
Su presencia en la reunión carecía de significado.
B2His presence at the meeting lacked significance (was unimportant).
Analizamos el significado profundo de sus palabras.
B2We analyzed the profound significance of his words.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Tener' (To Have)
To express that something is important, you often use the verb tener (to have): 'Esto tiene mucho significado' (This has a lot of significance).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
This meaning is often found in academic papers, news reports, or serious discussions, making the language sound more elevated.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: significado
Question 1 of 1
Choose the best translation for: 'El significado de su decisión fue enorme.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'significado' the same as 'sentido'?
They are often interchangeable when referring to the definition of a word (e.g., 'El significado/sentido de la palabra'). However, 'sentido' has many other uses, such as 'sense' (like the five senses) or 'direction'.
Can 'significado' be used as an adjective?
No, *significado* is a noun. The adjective form you are looking for is *significativo* (significant) or *significante* (which can also mean 'significant' but is often used in technical linguistic contexts).