significan
/sig-nee-FEE-kahn/
they mean
When we say "significan" in the context of definition, it means 'they mean,' like when a heart means love.
significan(verb)
they mean
?referring to the definition of words or symbols
,you (plural) mean
?formal address (ustedes)
they denote
?formal writing
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The CAR-GAR-ZAR Rule
Even though 'significar' is regular, it has a spelling change to keep the hard 'k' sound. When the ending starts with 'e' (like in the past tense 'yo' or the whole subjunctive), the 'c' changes to 'qu': yo signifiqué.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'n'
Mistake: "Misusing 'significa' when referring to plural subjects (Las palabras significa)."
Correction: Always match the verb to the plural subject: 'Las palabras significan'. The 'n' tells you 'they' are doing the action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Qué' to Ask for Meaning
To ask what something means, always use '¿Qué...?' (What...?) and not '¿Cuál...?' (Which...?).
When used to suggest a deeper truth, "significan" means 'they imply,' suggesting a consequence based on observation.
significan(verb)
they imply
?suggesting a consequence or deeper truth
,they represent
?standing for something else
they entail
?formal: referring to necessary requirements
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Meaning vs. Importance
While 'significan' usually asks for a definition, it can also be used to say that something 'matters' or 'is important,' often with 'mucho' (a lot) or 'nada' (nothing).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If the subject is an abstract concept (like 'la paz' or 'los cambios'), 'significan' often means 'they imply' or 'they represent' rather than giving a dictionary definition.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: significan
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best translates '¿Qué significan esos gestos?'
📚 More Resources
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').