How to say “What do you mean?” in Spanish
Introduction
When learning a new language, it’s important to know how to ask for clarification. One common phrase that comes in handy is “What do you mean?” This article will guide you through the various ways to express this question in Spanish.
1. ¿Qué quieres decir?
The most straightforward translation of “What do you mean?” in Spanish is “¿Qué quieres decir?” This phrase is commonly used in everyday conversations and is understood by Spanish speakers across different regions.
2. ¿Qué quieres explicar?
Another way to ask for clarification is by using the phrase “¿Qué quieres explicar?” This translates to “What do you want to explain?” and can be used interchangeably with the previous phrase. It conveys the same meaning and is equally understood by Spanish speakers.
3. ¿A qué te refieres?
If you want to express the question more precisely, you can use the phrase “¿A qué te refieres?” This translates to “What are you referring to?” and is commonly used when someone mentions something that you don’t fully understand or need more context about.
4. ¿Qué quieres decir con eso?
When someone says something that seems ambiguous or confusing, you can ask “¿Qué quieres decir con eso?” which means “What do you mean by that?” This phrase is useful when you need further explanation or clarification about a specific statement or idea.
5. ¿Cómo así?
In some Latin American countries, particularly in Colombia and Peru, the phrase “¿Cómo así?” is commonly used to ask for clarification. It can be translated as “How so?” or “What do you mean?” This phrase is more informal and may not be as widely understood in other Spanish-speaking regions.
Conclusion
Asking for clarification is an essential part of language learning. Now that you know different ways to say “What do you mean?” in Spanish, you can confidently seek clarification in various situations. Remember to choose the phrase that best suits the context and the region you are in. Practice using these phrases, and you’ll soon become more fluent in expressing your doubts and understanding others in Spanish conversations. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
Shimeru Occupy
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.