Inklingo

How to Say "it means" in Spanish

English → Spanish

significa

/sig-nee-FEE-kah//siɣ.niˈfi.ka/

VerbA1General
Use 'significa' when you are directly asking for or providing the definition of a word or a concept.
A stylized concept pointing to a clear image of water, illustrating the act of defining a word or concept.

Examples

¿Qué significa esta palabra desconocida?

What does this unknown word mean?

¿Qué significa 'agua'?

What does 'agua' mean?

Esta señal significa que no puedes entrar.

This sign means that you can't enter.

En español, 'libro' significa 'book'.

In Spanish, 'libro' means 'book'.

The 'It' Form

'Significa' is the form for 'él/ella/usted' (he/she/you formal), but we mostly use it for 'it'. When you ask what a word means, the word is the 'it' doing the meaning.

Spelling Changes

Notice the spelling changes to keep the hard 'k' sound. The 'yo' form in the past is 'signifiqué', and the present subjunctive forms use 'que' (signifique, signifiques, etc.).

'significa' vs. 'significado'

Mistake: “La significa de la palabra es 'amor'.”

Correction: El significado de la palabra es 'amor'. 'Significado' is the noun for 'the meaning', while 'significa' is the action verb 'it means'.

supone

/soo-POH-neh//suˈpo.ne/

VerbB2General
Use 'supone' when 'it means' refers to an implication, a consequence, or something that is involved or required.
A small, bright green sapling is planted in the earth. Visible beneath the soil, massive, complex, and deep roots extend widely, showing the large, necessary requirement or investment needed to sustain the small plant.

Examples

Terminar este proyecto supone mucho esfuerzo.

Finishing this project involves (means) a lot of effort.

Este nuevo proyecto supone una gran inversión de tiempo.

This new project involves a large investment of time.

Aprobar el examen supone un gran alivio para los estudiantes.

Passing the exam means a great relief for the students.

La crisis económica supone un desafío para el gobierno.

The economic crisis represents a challenge for the government.

Who's Doing the Action?

In this meaning, the subject (the thing doing the 'involving') comes before the verb. If the subject is plural, remember to change the verb: 'Estos proyectos suponen un riesgo' (These projects pose a risk).

Significa vs. Supone

Learners often use 'significa' when they should use 'supone'. Remember, 'significa' is for definitions ('What does X mean?'), while 'supone' is for consequences or implications ('This involves X' or 'This implies X').

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.