How to Say "What Does That Mean?" in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide for Conversational Success

Understanding the intricacies of a foreign language is essential for seamless communication. One of the most common phrases you'll encounter in everyday conversations is "What does that mean?" This query, often used to clarify unfamiliar terms or concepts, can be easily expressed in Spanish with the phrase "¿Qué significa eso?"

Tables:

Phrase in English	Phrase in Spanish
What does that mean?	¿Qué significa eso?
Can you explain what this means?	¿Puedes explicar qué significa esto?
I don't understand what you mean.	No entiendo lo que quieres decir.

Success Stories:

A survey by the Cervantes Institute found that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world, with over 572 million native speakers.

Research from the University of Cambridge indicates that learning a second language enhances cognitive abilities, improves memory, and boosts creativity.

A study by the British Council revealed that employees who speak multiple languages earn an average of 10% more than their monolingual counterparts.

Effective Strategies for Expressing "What Does That Mean?" in Spanish:

1. Emphasize the Question Word:

To make your inquiry clear, emphasize the question word "qué" by raising the pitch of your voice.

2. Use Formal Language:

If you're in a formal setting, use the phrase "¿Me podría explicar qué significa eso?" to request an explanation.

3. Repeat the Phrase:

For emphasis, you can repeat the question with slight variations, such as "¿Qué significa eso, exactamente?" or "¿Podrías aclarar qué significa eso?"

Tips and Tricks:

Avoid Using Gestures: While gestures can be helpful in some situations, they may be confusing when asking for clarification.

Listen Carefully to the Response: Pay attention to the speaker's explanation and ask follow-up questions if needed.

Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with asking "¿Qué significa eso?"

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Translating Directly from English: The direct translation of "What does that mean?" can be grammatically incorrect in Spanish.

Using the Wrong Verb Tense: Make sure to use the correct verb tense of "significar" based on the context.

Adding Unnecessary Words: Avoid adding unnecessary words or phrases, as this can make your question less clear.

Advanced Features:

Using the Passive Voice: To convey that the meaning of the word or concept is unknown, use the passive voice: "¿Qué es lo que se entiende por eso?"

Introducing a Specific Context: If the clarification is related to a particular topic or conversation, include it in your question: "¿Qué significa 'empatía' en este contexto?"

FAQs About "How to Say What Does That Mean?" in Spanish:

Q: Is it rude to ask "¿Qué significa eso?"?

A: No, it's not considered rude. In fact, it's a common way to seek clarification in Spanish conversations.

Q: How can I improve my pronunciation of "¿Qué significa eso?"?

A: Practice speaking the phrase aloud, paying attention to the correct pronunciation of the vowels and consonants.

Q: Are there alternative phrases I can use to express "What does that mean?"

A: Yes, you can also use "¿Cómo se entiende eso?" or "¿De qué manera se interpreta eso?"

How to Say "What Does That Mean?" in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide for Conversational Success