“What Does This Mean?” in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, French

This essential question helps you unlock the meaning of words and phrases in real-time conversations, in classrooms, and when traveling.

So lets look at “What Does This Mean?” in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German, French

Spanish

1. Word Overview

• Native Phrase: ¿Qué significa esto?
• English Translation: What does this mean?
• Part of Speech: Interrogative sentence (verb: significar)
• IPA Pronunciation: /ke siɣ.ni.fiˈka ˈes.to/

2. Example Sentence

• Disculpa, ¿qué significa esto en inglés?
• Excuse me, what does this mean in English?

Significa is third-person singular present of significar (to mean).

3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note

In conversation, you may also hear: ¿Qué quiere decir esto?, which is slightly more formal. Both are correct and common in different Spanish-speaking regions.

4. Daily Practice Challenge

Look up a word you don’t recognize today and ask aloud: ¿Qué significa esto? Then say the answer in Spanish.

Italian

1. Word Overview

• Native Phrase: Cosa significa questo?
• English Translation: What does this mean?
• Part of Speech: Interrogative sentence
• Gender: Questo = masculine singular
• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈkɔ.za si.ɲiˈfi.ka ˈkwɛs.to/

2. Example Sentence

• Cosa significa questo simbolo?
• What does this symbol mean?

The word significa comes from the verb significare (to mean), and questo agrees in gender/number with the object.

3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note

You might also hear Che cosa significa…? or simply Che significa…?—all are used interchangeably in casual Italian.

4. Daily Practice Challenge

Choose one unfamiliar Italian word and write a sentence: Cosa significa [word]? Then look up or ask the meaning.

Portuguese

1. Word Overview

• Native Phrase: O que isso significa?
• English Translation: What does this mean?
• Part of Speech: Interrogative sentence
• IPA Pronunciation: /u ˈki ˈis.u si.ɲiˈfi.kɐ/ (Brazilian)

2. Example Sentence

• O que isso significa na conversa?
• What does this mean in the conversation?

Significa is the third person singular of significar. Portuguese word order tends to keep isso (this) after the question word.

3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note

Brazilian Portuguese often uses isso for “this/that” in conversation. In Portugal, isto (this) might also be used.

4. Daily Practice Challenge

Find a sign, label, or phrase in Portuguese and ask out loud: O que isso significa? Then try translating it.

German

1. Word Overview

• Native Phrase: Was bedeutet das?
• English Translation: What does that/this mean?
• Part of Speech: Interrogative sentence
• IPA Pronunciation: /vas bəˈdɔʏ̯tət das/

2. Example Sentence

• Was bedeutet das Wort “Zeit”?
• What does the word “Zeit” mean?

Bedeutet is from the verb bedeuten (to mean). Das can refer to “this” or “that” depending on context.

3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note

In German, you’ll often use Was bedeutet… + noun for vocabulary questions. Germans may also say Was heißt das? in informal situations.

4. Daily Practice Challenge

Pick a German word or phrase you don’t know and ask aloud: Was bedeutet das? Then find the definition.

French

1. Word Overview

• Native Phrase: Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire ?
• English Translation: What does this mean?
• Part of Speech: Interrogative sentence
• IPA Pronunciation: /kɛs kə sa vø diʁ/

2. Example Sentence

• Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire “fromage” ?
• What does “fromage” mean?

Ça veut dire… literally means “that wants to say…” but it’s the standard way to ask about meaning.

3. Mini Grammar or Culture Note

You can also hear: Que signifie…? in formal settings (written French, news, literature), but in spoken French, Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire… is preferred.

4. Daily Practice Challenge

Choose a new French word today. Write or say: Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire [word]? and explain or look it up.

Multilingual Bonus