How to Say “What Does This Mean” in Spanish Translation in Spanish
Introduction
When learning a new language, it is common to come across words or phrases that you don’t understand. In such situations, it is essential to know how to ask for clarification. One common question you might have is, “What does this mean?” In this article, we will explore how to say “What does this mean?” in Spanish translation.
Translation of “What Does This Mean?”
The phrase “What does this mean?” translates to “¿Qué significa esto?” in Spanish. Let’s break down this translation to better understand its components.
– “Qué” means “what” in English.
– “Significa” is the third-person singular form of the verb “significar,” which means “to mean.”
– “Esto” translates to “this” in English.
Alternative Ways to Ask
While “¿Qué significa esto?” is the most common way to ask for the meaning of something in Spanish, there are a few alternative phrases you can use. These variations can help you express yourself more naturally or adapt to different contexts. Here are a few examples:
1. “¿Qué quiere decir esto?” – This phrase is another way to ask, “What does this mean?” It uses the verb “querer decir,” which also means “to mean.”
2. “¿Cuál es el significado de esto?” – This translation is a bit more formal and directly asks for the meaning of something. “Cuál” means “which” or “what” in English, and “es” is the third-person singular form of the verb “ser” (to be).
3. “¿Qué es esto?” – Although not an exact translation, this phrase can be used in certain contexts to ask, “What is this?” It is a more general question about the identity or nature of an object.
Using Context and Gestures
In some situations, you might not know a specific word or phrase in Spanish to ask for the meaning. However, you can still communicate your question through context and gestures. Here are a few ways to do so:
1. Pointing and asking “¿Qué es esto?” – By pointing at the object or word you want to know the meaning of and using the phrase “¿Qué es esto?” you can convey your question effectively.
2. Asking for clarification – If someone uses a word or phrase you don’t understand, you can simply say, “No entiendo” (I don’t understand) or “No comprendo” (I don’t comprehend). This will prompt the person to explain further or provide an alternative explanation.
Conclusion
Asking for the meaning of something is a crucial part of language learning. In Spanish, you can say “What does this mean?” as “¿Qué significa esto?” or use alternative phrases like “¿Qué quiere decir esto?” or “¿Cuál es el significado de esto?” Remember that context and gestures can also help you communicate your question effectively. With these tools, you’ll be able to expand your vocabulary and understand the Spanish language more comprehensively.
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