Inklingo

How to Say "you mean" in Spanish

English → Spanish

refieres

/reh-fee-EH-res//reˈfje.ɾes/

verbA2
Use this when you are asking someone to clarify what they are talking about or what they are referring to.
A colorful illustration of a confused-looking character with a large question mark floating above their head, indicating they are trying to understand what is meant.

Examples

¿A qué te refieres? No entiendo el contexto.

What do you mean? I don't understand the context.

Si te refieres a mi jefe, no está aquí hoy.

If you are talking about my boss, he is not here today.

Always with 'A'

When using 'referirse' to talk about a topic, it must always be followed by the preposition 'a' (to). Example: 'Me refiero a la reunión de ayer'.

Pronominal Use

In this context, 'referir' is used with a reflexive pronoun ('me, te, se, nos'). Since the subject is 'tú,' you must use 'te' before 'refieres'.

Missing the Preposition

Mistake: “¿A qué te refieres el problema?”

Correction: ¿A qué te refieres **con** el problema? (or more commonly, just ending with 'a qué te refieres'). You need the preposition 'a' to connect the verb to the topic.

decís

verbA1informal
Use this informal verb form, common in some regions like Argentina and Uruguay, when asking someone to clarify a statement they have made.

Examples

¿Qué decís vos sobre este tema?

What do you mean (what do you say) about this topic?

Clarifying vs. Referring

Learners often confuse 'refieres' and 'decís' because both can be used to seek clarification. Remember that 'refieres' is for asking what someone is referring to, while 'decís' is for asking for their opinion or statement on a topic.

Related Translations

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