significan
“significan” means “they mean” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
they mean, you (plural) mean
Also: they denote
📝 In Action
No entiendo qué significan estas señales de tráfico.
A2I don't understand what these traffic signs mean.
Los colores de la bandera significan paz y prosperidad.
B1The colors of the flag mean peace and prosperity.
Ustedes significan mucho para mí, gracias por venir.
A2You (all) mean a lot to me, thank you for coming.
they imply, they represent
Also: they entail
📝 In Action
Los nuevos impuestos significan un aumento en el costo de vida.
B1The new taxes imply an increase in the cost of living.
Sus logros no significan nada si no son felices.
B2Their achievements don't matter (don't signify) anything if they aren't happy.
Indicative
Present
Preterite
Imperfect
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "significan" in Spanish:
they denote→they entail→they imply→they mean→they represent→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: significan
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best translates '¿Qué significan esos gestos?'
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes directly from the Latin verb *significare*, which was formed from *signum* (sign or mark) and *facere* (to make). Literally, it means 'to make a sign' or 'to point out the meaning'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do I use 'significan' versus 'quieren decir'?
Both mean 'they mean,' but 'significan' is more formal and used for abstract concepts, symbols, or definitions. 'Quieren decir' (literally 'they want to say') is more common in spoken, informal language when discussing what a person meant or what a colloquial phrase means.
Is 'significan' a regular verb?
Yes, it is considered regular, but it follows the 'car' spelling rule: the 'c' changes to 'qu' before an 'e' to keep the hard 'k' sound (e.g., in the preterite 'yo' form: 'signifiqué').