Confusing 'What It Is' with 'What It Means'
Mistake: “Pointing to a mango and asking, '¿Qué significa esto?'”
Correction: You should ask, '¿Qué es esto?' (What is this?) or '¿Cómo se llama esto?' (What is this called?).
How to say
What does this mean?
in Spanish¿Qué significa esto?
keh seeg-nee-FEE-kah EHS-toh
This is the most direct and universally understood way to ask for the meaning of a word, phrase, object, or situation. It's your go-to phrase for clarification in almost any context.
When you encounter a new word or sign, asking '¿Qué significa esto?' is the perfect way to learn and connect.
🎬Watch & Learn
What does this mean? — in Spanish
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿Qué quiere decir esto?
★★★★★
keh kee-EH-reh deh-SEER EHS-toh
neutral🌍
Literally 'What does this want to say?', this is an extremely common and slightly more conversational alternative to '¿Qué significa esto?'. It's used interchangeably in everyday speech.
When to use: Perfect for asking about a phrase someone just used, a confusing sign, or a sentence in a book. It feels very natural in conversation.
¿A qué te refieres?
★★★★☆
ah keh teh reh-fee-EH-rehs
informal🌍
This translates to 'What are you referring to?' or more naturally, 'What do you mean?'. It's used to ask for clarification about a person's idea or statement, not just a single word.
When to use: Use this when someone says something vague or confusing. For example, if a friend says 'Things are complicated,' you'd ask, '¿A qué te refieres?'
¿A qué se refiere (usted)?
★★★★☆
ah keh seh reh-fee-EH-reh oos-TED
formal🌍
This is the formal version of '¿A qué te refieres?'. You use it to ask 'What do you mean?' to someone you'd address with 'usted', like a boss, an elder, or a stranger.
When to use: In a professional setting or when showing respect. If your professor gives confusing feedback on a paper, you could ask, '¿A qué se refiere con este comentario?'
¿Me lo puedes explicar?
★★★★☆
meh lo PWEH-dehs eks-plee-KAR
informal🌍
This means 'Can you explain it to me?'. It's a polite and friendly way to ask for a more detailed explanation beyond a simple definition.
When to use: When a simple definition isn't enough and you need more context or a deeper understanding of a concept or situation.
¿Qué es esto?
★★★★★
keh ehs EHS-toh
neutral🌍
This means 'What is this?'. It's used to ask for the name or identification of an object, not its meaning or definition. This is a very common point of confusion for learners.
When to use: When you're pointing at an unfamiliar fruit in a market or a strange tool. You're asking for its name, not its symbolic meaning.
No entiendo.
★★★★★
no ehn-tee-EHN-doh
neutral🌍
This simply means 'I don't understand.' While not a question, it serves the same purpose: it signals that you need clarification. It's often followed by one of the questions above.
When to use: A fundamental phrase for any beginner. Use it anytime you're lost in a conversation or don't grasp a concept. It's the perfect setup to then ask, '¿Qué significa...?'
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right phrase depends on whether you're asking about a word, an object, or someone's personal meaning. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿Qué significa esto? | Neutral | Asking for the definition of a word, sign, or symbol. | Asking for the name of an object (use '¿Qué es esto?'). |
| ¿Qué quiere decir esto? | Neutral | A conversational way to ask for meaning, interchangeable with 'significa'. | It has the same limitations as 'significa'; don't use it for object identification. |
| ¿A qué te refieres? | Informal | Asking a friend or peer what they mean by a statement or idea. | Speaking to a boss, an elder, or a stranger (use '¿A qué se refiere?'). |
| ¿Qué es esto? | Neutral | Asking for the name or identification of a physical object. | Asking for the definition of a word or the meaning of a concept. |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:beginnerMaster in a few hours
Pronunciation2/5
The sounds are straightforward for English speakers. The main challenge is just getting the rhythm of a four-syllable word like 'sig-ni-fi-ca' right.
Grammar1/5
This is a fixed phrase. You don't need to worry about changing verb endings or word order. Just memorize it as a chunk.
Cultural Nuance1/5
The phrase is direct and universally understood. There are very few cultural traps to worry about when using it.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering the difference between '¿Qué significa esto?' (What does it mean?) and '¿Qué es esto?' (What is this?).
💡Examples in Action
A tourist asking for clarification about a public sign.A1
Disculpe, el letrero dice 'Prohibido el paso'. ¿Qué significa esto?
Excuse me, the sign says 'Prohibido el paso'. What does this mean?
Someone cooking and asking a friend for help with a recipe instruction.A2
En la receta dice 'salpimentar al gusto'. ¿Qué quiere decir eso?
In the recipe, it says 'season to taste'. What does that mean?
A colleague discussing ambiguous feedback from a manager.B1
Mi jefe dijo que mi propuesta era 'interesante', pero no sé si fue bueno o malo. ¿A qué se refería?
My boss said my proposal was 'interesting,' but I don't know if that was good or bad. What did he mean?
A student asking a teacher or friend for a deeper explanation of a word.A2
No entiendo esta palabra en el libro, 'nostalgia'. ¿Me la puedes explicar?
I don't understand this word in the book, 'nostalgia'. Can you explain it to me?
🌍Cultural Context
Asking is a Sign of Engagement
In most Spanish-speaking cultures, asking '¿Qué significa esto?' is seen very positively. It shows you're actively listening, interested in the culture, and making an effort to learn. People are generally very happy to stop and explain things to a learner.
Don't Be Shy with Gestures
When asking about a physical object, sign, or something you can see, it's completely normal and expected to point. Combining '¿Qué significa esto?' with a clear gesture makes your question easy to understand, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect.
Patience is a Virtue
Don't be surprised if the explanation you receive is long and detailed, maybe even with a story attached! Conversation is highly valued, and a simple question can often turn into a wonderful, friendly exchange. It's less about a quick transaction and more about connection.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Literal Translation of 'Mean'
Mistake: “Trying to use the English word 'mean' like '¿Qué medio esto?'”
Correction: Use '¿Qué significa esto?' or '¿Qué quiere decir esto?'
Forgetting Formality with 'Referirse'
Mistake: “Asking your new boss, '¿A qué te refieres?'”
Correction: Use the formal version: '¿A qué se refiere?'
💡Pro Tips
Start with Politeness
Before you ask your question, especially to a stranger, it's always a good idea to start with 'Disculpe...' (Excuse me...) or 'Perdón...' (Pardon me...). It's a small touch that makes the interaction much smoother.
Specify What 'This' Is
If it's not obvious what you're referring to, replace 'esto' (this) with the specific thing. For example, '¿Qué significa esa palabra?' (What does that word mean?) or '¿Qué significa la señal?' (What does the sign mean?).
Prepare Your Follow-Up
After they explain, have a response ready! A simple 'Ah, gracias, ya entiendo' (Ah, thanks, now I understand) or 'Gracias por la explicación' (Thanks for the explanation) shows appreciation and closes the conversation nicely.
🗺️Regional Variations
🌍
Universal
Preferred:¿Qué significa esto? / ¿Qué quiere decir esto?
Pronunciation:Standard pronunciation is consistent across most regions.
These two phrases are the gold standard everywhere. You can use them with confidence from Madrid to Mexico City to Buenos Aires. '¿Qué quiere decir...?' can feel slightly more common in everyday, rapid conversation.
⚠️ Note: Avoid literal translations like '¿Qué medio...?' which are incorrect everywhere.
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:¿Qué quiere decir esto? / ¿Qué significa esto?
Pronunciation:The 'c' in 'decir' will be pronounced with a 'th' sound in most of Spain (deh-THEER). The 's' sounds are also slightly different, often more of a soft 'sh' sound in some southern areas.
Alternatives:
¿Esto qué es lo que es?
While the main phrases are the same, the 'distinción' (pronouncing 'c/z' as 'th') is a key marker of many Spanish accents. The core vocabulary for this question remains the same as in Latin America.
🇲🇽
Mexico
Preferred:¿Qué significa esto? / ¿Qué quiere decir esto?
Pronunciation:Pronunciation is standard Latin American (seseo), where 'c' in 'decir' sounds like an 's'.
Alternatives:
¿Qué onda con esto? (very informal)¿De qué se trata esto? (What's this about?)
For a very casual, slangy way to ask what's going on with something, '¿Qué onda con esto?' is uniquely Mexican. However, for asking about the meaning of a word, the standard phrases are always used.
⚠️ Note: Using '¿Qué onda...?' in a formal or professional setting would be inappropriate.
🇦🇷
Argentina
Preferred:¿Qué quiere decir esto?
Pronunciation:The 'y' and 'll' sounds are often pronounced with a 'sh' or 'zh' sound (sheísmo/zheísmo). This won't affect this specific phrase, but you'll hear it in the explanation.
Alternatives:
¿Qué onda esto? (very informal, similar to Mexico)
The use of 'vos' instead of 'tú' is standard. So instead of '¿A qué te refieres?', an Argentine would say '¿A qué te referís?'. The intonation (musicality) of the speech is also very distinct.
💬What Comes Next?
After you ask '¿Qué significa esto?'
They say:
Significa 'no parking'.
It means 'no parking'.
→
You respond:
¡Ah, perfecto! Muchas gracias.
Ah, perfect! Thank you very much.
When they need more context
They say:
¿Cuál palabra?
Which word?
→
You respond:
Esa, en la primera línea.
That one, in the first line.
After they give you a long explanation
They say:
¿Entiendes ahora?
Do you understand now?
→
You respond:
Sí, gracias. ¡Muy claro!
Yes, thank you. Very clear!
🧠Memory Tricks
Think of 'significa' as 'signify'. In English, if something signifies an idea, it means that idea. The words look and sound similar, making it an easy link to remember.
This connection to an English word with the same root (sign-) helps lock in the meaning of 'significar' as the verb for 'to mean'.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference from English is the clear separation between asking for identification ('What is this?') and asking for definition ('What does this mean?'). In English, we might point to a sign and say 'What's this?', expecting an explanation of its meaning. In Spanish, asking '¿Qué es esto?' about a sign will likely get you the answer 'Es un letrero' (It's a sign), not what the sign means. You must use '¿Qué significa?' for the meaning.
False Friends & Common Confusions:
"'What's this?'"
Why it''s different: This question in English can be ambiguous. It can mean 'What is the name of this object?' or 'What is the meaning of this situation/sign?'. Spanish requires you to be more specific.
Use instead: Use '¿Qué es esto?' for identifying objects. Use '¿Qué significa esto?' or '¿Qué pasa?' (What's happening?) for situations or meanings.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
I don't understand
This is the perfect preceding statement to asking for a meaning. 'No entiendo. ¿Qué significa...?'
Can you repeat that, please?
Sometimes the problem isn't the meaning, but that you didn't hear it clearly. This is another essential clarification tool.
How do you say...?
This is the reverse of asking for a meaning. It's for when you know the meaning but need the Spanish word.
Can you speak slower, please?
Another key phrase for learners when the speed of native speakers is the main barrier to understanding.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: What does this mean?
Question 1 of 3
You are at a fruit market in Colombia and see a strange, spiky fruit you've never encountered. How do you ask the vendor for its name?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
Knowing a phrase is one thing — using it at the right moment is another. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see phrases in the contexts where they actually belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between '¿Qué significa esto?' and '¿Qué quiere decir esto?'
Honestly, in 99% of daily situations, there is no difference. They are used interchangeably. '¿Qué quiere decir esto?' can feel slightly more common in casual conversation, but both are perfectly correct and natural. Don't stress about choosing between them.
Is it rude to just ask '¿Qué significa?'
No, it's not considered rude at all. It's a direct question that shows you're trying to understand. To make it even more polite, especially with strangers, you can add 'Disculpe' (Excuse me) at the beginning: 'Disculpe, ¿qué significa esto?'
How do I ask what a specific word means, instead of just 'this'?
Simply replace 'esto' with 'esa palabra' (that word). You can say, '¿Qué significa esa palabra?' and then point to the word or say it. For example: '¿Qué significa la palabra 'sobremesa'?'
What if I don't understand their explanation?
That's a common challenge! A great follow-up phrase is 'Perdón, todavía no entiendo. ¿Puede decirlo de otra manera?' (Sorry, I still don't understand. Can you say it another way?). You can also ask them to speak slower: '¿Más despacio, por favor?'
Can I just say '¿Qué?' (What?) if I don't understand?
You can, but it can sometimes sound a bit abrupt, just like in English. It's better to use '¿Cómo?' or '¿Perdón?' if you didn't hear something. If you heard it but didn't understand the meaning, 'No entiendo' followed by '¿Qué significa?' is much clearer and more polite.
Why can't I use '¿Qué es esto?' to ask what a word means?
Because '¿Qué es esto?' asks for the identity of something. If you point to the word 'gato' and ask '¿Qué es esto?', the literal answer is 'Es una palabra' (It's a word). To get the definition ('cat'), you must ask what it *means* using '¿Qué significa?'.
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