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How to Say "meaning" in Spanish

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significado

sig-ni-fi-KAH-dohsiɣnifiˈkaðo

nounA2general
Use 'significado' when asking for the definition of a specific word, phrase, or symbol, or when referring to the general concept of meaning.
A simple red heart symbol floating above a small child who is happily hugging a soft teddy bear, illustrating the definition or meaning of the symbol.

Examples

¿Cuál es el significado de la palabra 'paciencia'?

What is the meaning of the word 'patience'?

No entendí el significado de su gesto.

I didn't understand the meaning of his gesture.

El diccionario ofrece varios significados para esta expresión.

The dictionary offers several meanings for this expression.

Gender Check

Remember that significado is always masculine, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el significado' (the meaning).

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'.

sentido

sen-TEE-dohsenˈti.ðo

nounB1general
Use 'sentido' when referring to the underlying idea, logic, purpose, or common sense of something.
A simple illustration showing a tangled string or puzzle piece resolving itself into a clear, single line, symbolizing clarity and meaning.

Examples

No entiendo el sentido de tu pregunta.

I don't understand the meaning of your question.

Lo que dices no tiene ningún sentido.

What you're saying makes no sense at all.

Ahora todo tiene sentido.

Now everything makes sense.

'Sentido' vs. 'Significado'

Mistake: “Using 'significado' in the phrase 'no tiene significado'.”

Correction: Always say 'no tiene sentido' to mean 'it doesn't make sense'. While 'significado' also means 'meaning', it's used for the definition of a word, not for logic or reason.

significación

nounB2formal
Use 'significación' when discussing the formal or abstract meaning, especially of words, symbols, or abstract concepts, often in academic or linguistic contexts.

Examples

El diccionario detalla la significación de cada palabra.

The dictionary details the meaning of each word.

Significado vs. Sentido

The most common mistake is using 'sentido' when you simply want to ask for the definition of a word. Remember, 'significado' is the direct translation for a word's definition, while 'sentido' implies a deeper idea, logic, or purpose.

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