How to Say “What Does This Mean?” in Portuguese

Introduction

Learning to ask what things mean is one of the most essential skills for any language learner. When studying Portuguese, you’ll constantly encounter new words, expressions, and phrases that puzzle you. Knowing how to politely ask for clarification not only helps you expand your vocabulary but also shows native speakers that you’re genuinely interested in understanding their language. This comprehensive guide will teach you multiple ways to ask what something means in Portuguese, from formal to casual contexts, complete with practical examples and cultural insights that will help you communicate more effectively.

The Basic Question: O Que Isso Significa?

The most straightforward way to ask what something means in Portuguese is O que isso significa? This phrase translates directly to What does this mean? and works well in most situations. The structure breaks down as follows: o que means what, isso means this, and significa is the verb to mean conjugated in the third person singular.

This expression is versatile enough for classroom settings, casual conversations with friends, or when asking strangers for help. It’s neither too formal nor too informal, making it your go-to phrase when you’re unsure about the appropriate register. For example, if you’re reading a menu and see an unfamiliar dish, you could point to it and ask: O que isso significa?

You can also use variations by replacing isso with other demonstrative pronouns. O que isto significa? is slightly more formal and often used when referring to something closer to you or more abstract. Meanwhile, O que aquilo significa? refers to something farther away, similar to that in English.

Alternative Phrasings with Significa

While o que isso significa is perfectly acceptable, Portuguese offers several other ways to construct this question using the verb significar. Understanding these variations will make your Portuguese sound more natural and give you flexibility in different contexts.

Using Qual é o Significado

A slightly more formal alternative is Qual é o significado disso? which literally translates to What is the meaning of this? This phrase uses qual instead of o que and the noun significado (meaning) rather than the verb. It sounds more sophisticated and is particularly useful in academic or professional settings.

For instance, if you’re in a business meeting and someone uses industry jargon you don’t understand, asking Qual é o significado disso? demonstrates professionalism while seeking clarification. You might also say Qual é o significado desta palavra? (What is the meaning of this word?) or Qual é o significado dessa expressão? (What is the meaning of that expression?).

Direct Object Questions

When you want to ask about a specific word or phrase, you can make the question more direct by stating what you’re asking about. For example, O que significa amor? means What does love mean? Here, you’re directly asking about the word amor without needing demonstrative pronouns.

This structure is particularly useful when you’ve just heard or read a specific word and want immediate clarification. If someone says saudade and you’re unfamiliar with this famously untranslatable Portuguese word, you could simply ask: O que significa saudade? This direct approach is clear, concise, and shows you’re paying attention to the conversation.

Informal Ways to Ask for Meaning

In casual conversations with friends, younger people, or in relaxed social settings, Portuguese speakers often use more colloquial expressions to ask what things mean. These informal phrases help you sound more natural and build rapport with native speakers.

The Popular O Que Quer Dizer

Perhaps the most common informal way to ask for meaning is O que quer dizer? which literally translates to What does it want to say? but actually means What does it mean? This expression uses the verb querer (to want) plus dizer (to say), creating a more conversational tone than significar.

You’ll hear this constantly in everyday Brazilian Portuguese. When chatting with friends, if someone mentions something confusing, you might quickly interject with O que quer dizer? It’s friendly, casual, and shows you’re engaged in the conversation. You can also add demonstratives: O que isso quer dizer? (What does this mean?) or O que aquilo quer dizer? (What does that mean?).

Super Casual: Tipo Assim

Among young people and in very informal contexts, you might hear Como assim? which translates roughly to How so? or What do you mean? This phrase is particularly useful when you’re confused or surprised by something someone said and want them to explain or elaborate.

For example, if a friend tells you they’re moving to Antarctica, you might respond with Como assim? to express your confusion and request more information. While not a direct translation of what does this mean, it serves a similar purpose in seeking clarification. Another ultra-casual variant is Como é? which literally means How is it? but functions as What? or Come again?

Asking About Specific Words

When you need clarification about a particular word you’ve encountered, there are several targeted ways to frame your question in Portuguese that show you’re specifically focused on vocabulary.

O Que É and Its Usage

The phrase O que é followed by a noun is an extremely common way to ask what something is or means. While o que é literally translates to what is, it’s frequently used to ask for definitions and meanings. For instance, O que é isso? can mean both What is this? and What does this mean? depending on context.

This construction is particularly useful for concrete nouns. If you see an unfamiliar fruit at the market, you could point and ask O que é isso? Similarly, if you encounter a new word in a book, you might ask O que é saudade? to learn both what the word means and what concept it represents.

Como Se Diz for Translation Questions

When you want to know how to say something in Portuguese or what the Portuguese equivalent of an English word is, use Como se diz followed by the word or phrase. This literally means How does one say and is the standard way to ask for translations.

For example, Como se diz love em português? (How do you say love in Portuguese?) or Como se diz isso em inglês? (How do you say this in English?). While this isn’t exactly asking what something means, it’s closely related and essential for learners building vocabulary between languages.

Contextual and Situational Phrases

Beyond the basic formulas, Portuguese offers several context-specific ways to ask for clarification that can make your communication more precise and nuanced.

When You Didn’t Understand

Sometimes you need to admit you didn’t catch or understand what was said. Não entendi (I didn’t understand) is a simple, honest way to express this. You can follow it with a request for clarification: Não entendi. O que isso significa? (I didn’t understand. What does this mean?)

Another useful phrase is Pode explicar? (Can you explain?) or Você pode explicar isso? (Can you explain this?). These phrases are polite and show you’re actively trying to learn. They’re particularly helpful in educational contexts where the speaker can provide more detailed explanations rather than just definitions.

Asking for Repetition

When you heard something but need it repeated to understand better, Como? (What?) or O quê? (What?) work as quick, informal responses. For more politeness, try Pode repetir? (Can you repeat?) or Pode falar de novo? (Can you say it again?).

In professional or formal situations, Poderia repetir, por favor? (Could you repeat, please?) shows respect while requesting clarification. Following this with Não entendi o significado (I didn’t understand the meaning) helps the speaker know you need more than just repetition.

Regional Variations and Dialects

Portuguese is spoken across multiple continents, and while this article focuses on Brazilian Portuguese, it’s valuable to recognize some variations you might encounter, especially if you interact with Portuguese speakers from different countries.

Brazilian Versus European Portuguese

Most of the phrases covered work in both Brazilian and European Portuguese, but there are subtle differences in preference and usage. European Portuguese speakers might use O que quer dizer isto? more frequently than their Brazilian counterparts, who prefer o que isso quer dizer.

In Portugal, you’re also more likely to hear O que significa isso? with the verb-object word order reversed compared to Brazilian Portuguese. However, these differences are minor, and speakers from both regions will understand you regardless of which variant you use.

African Portuguese Variations

In Portuguese-speaking African countries like Angola and Mozambique, local languages influence Portuguese expressions. While standard phrases like o que significa remain universally understood, you might encounter regional colloquialisms or code-switching. The basic structures taught here will serve you well across all Portuguese-speaking regions.

Polite Forms and Register

Understanding social context and choosing appropriate levels of formality is crucial in Portuguese communication. The language has clear distinctions between formal and informal speech that affect how you ask questions.

Formal Situations

In business meetings, academic settings, or when speaking with strangers and elders, use more formal constructions. Poderia me explicar o significado disso? (Could you explain the meaning of this to me?) shows respect through the conditional verb form poderia and the complete structure.

Another formal option is Gostaria de saber o que isso significa (I would like to know what this means). The verb gostaria (would like) adds politeness, and this construction sounds professional and courteous. You can also use Perdão, mas o que significa isso? (Excuse me, but what does this mean?) where perdão softens the request.

Adding Por Favor

Never underestimate the power of por favor (please) in Portuguese culture. Adding it to any request immediately makes it more polite. O que isso significa, por favor? or Pode explicar, por favor? transform basic questions into courteous requests that native speakers appreciate.

In very formal contexts, you might even use Por gentileza (kindly) or Se possível (if possible) for extra politeness: Por gentileza, poderia explicar o significado dessa palavra? (Kindly, could you explain the meaning of this word?).

Cultural Considerations and Etiquette

Understanding the cultural context behind asking for meanings in Portuguese-speaking countries enhances your communication effectiveness and shows cultural awareness.

Brazilian Communication Style

Brazilians generally appreciate directness combined with warmth. Don’t be afraid to ask what things mean—native speakers usually respond positively to learners showing genuine interest. They often provide elaborate explanations and may even offer related vocabulary or cultural context without you asking.

In Brazilian culture, maintaining eye contact and using friendly body language while asking questions demonstrates engagement and respect. A smile goes a long way, and Brazilians typically don’t mind interrupting conversations to clarify misunderstandings, viewing it as a natural part of communication.

Learning from Mistakes

Portuguese speakers across all regions tend to be encouraging toward learners. Making mistakes while asking o que isso significa or mixing up formal and informal registers is completely acceptable and often endearing. Native speakers usually appreciate the effort and rarely judge language learners harshly.

If you accidentally use an informal phrase in a formal setting, most Portuguese speakers will understand your intention and may gently correct you or simply overlook it. The important thing is communicating your need for clarification rather than achieving perfect grammar.

Building on Basic Questions

Once you master asking what things mean, you can expand your questioning skills to gain deeper understanding and engage in more meaningful conversations.

Asking for Examples

After learning what something means, asking for examples helps solidify understanding. Use Pode me dar um exemplo? (Can you give me an example?) or Como eu uso isso? (How do I use this?). These follow-up questions show you want to truly grasp the concept, not just memorize a definition.

For instance, after asking o que significa saudade and receiving an explanation, you might say Entendi. Pode me dar um exemplo? (I understood. Can you give me an example?). This approach helps you see words in context and understand their practical application.

Clarifying Nuances

Portuguese words often carry subtle meanings that simple definitions don’t capture. To explore these nuances, try Qual é a diferença entre (What’s the difference between) followed by two similar words. For example, Qual é a diferença entre saber e conhecer? helps you understand when to use each verb meaning to know.

You can also ask Quando eu uso isso? (When do I use this?) to learn about appropriate contexts. These deeper questions demonstrate serious interest in mastering Portuguese and often lead to valuable insights about language and culture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning from typical errors helps you communicate more effectively and avoid confusion when asking about meanings in Portuguese.

Literal Translations

One common mistake is trying to translate English phrases word-for-word. While o que isso significa works because the structure parallels English, not all translations are so straightforward. Avoid saying things like o que faz isso significar which attempts to mirror what makes this mean but sounds unnatural in Portuguese.

Instead, stick with proven phrases like o que significa, o que quer dizer, or qual é o significado. These established expressions sound natural to native speakers and effectively communicate your question.

Wrong Demonstratives

Using incorrect demonstrative pronouns can cause confusion. Isso refers to something near the person you’re speaking to or something just mentioned, while isto refers to something near you. Aquilo refers to something far from both of you. Mixing these up isn’t catastrophic, but using them correctly makes your Portuguese more precise.

If pointing to something close to you, say o que isto significa. If referring back to something your conversation partner just said, use o que isso significa. With practice, these distinctions become natural.

Practical Applications and Practice Tips

Knowing the phrases is just the beginning. Regular practice in real situations helps you internalize these questions and use them naturally.

In Classroom Settings

Language classes provide safe environments to practice asking what things mean. Don’t hesitate to use o que significa or pode explicar whenever you encounter unfamiliar vocabulary. Teachers appreciate students who actively seek understanding rather than nodding along confused.

Try varying your questions: sometimes use o que isso significa, other times try qual é o significado disso, and occasionally practice o que quer dizer. This variation helps you become comfortable with multiple phrasings and understand which feels most natural in different contexts.

With Language Exchange Partners

Language exchange conversations offer perfect opportunities to ask about meanings naturally. When your partner uses an expression you don’t know, immediately ask o que isso quer dizer. Most language partners expect these questions and are happy to explain, often providing cultural context and alternative expressions.

Make it reciprocal by encouraging your partner to ask similar questions when you speak English. This mutual learning creates a comfortable environment where both parties feel free to seek clarification without embarrassment.

While Consuming Portuguese Media

Watching Brazilian shows, reading Portuguese articles, or listening to music exposes you to countless new words and expressions. Keep a notebook handy to write down unfamiliar terms, then look them up or ask a native speaker o que significa followed by the word.

Online communities, language forums, and social media groups dedicated to Portuguese learning are excellent places to post questions like O que significa essa expressão? (What does this expression mean?) along with context. Native speakers often provide detailed explanations and examples.

Advanced Questioning Techniques

As you progress in Portuguese, you can ask more sophisticated questions that demonstrate deeper engagement with the language.

Idiomatic Expressions

When encountering idioms or slang, asking o que significa might not give you the full picture. Try Essa é uma expressão idiomática? (Is this an idiomatic expression?) or Isso é uma gíria? (Is this slang?). These questions show you understand that some phrases have meanings beyond their literal words.

Follow up with Qual é o sentido dessa expressão? (What’s the sense/feeling of this expression?) to understand the connotation and appropriate usage. This approach helps you grasp not just definitions but the cultural significance behind expressions.

Etymology and Origins

Curious learners might ask De onde vem essa palavra? (Where does this word come from?) or Qual é a origem dessa expressão? (What’s the origin of this expression?). While not strictly about meaning, understanding etymology enriches your comprehension and makes vocabulary more memorable.

Native speakers enjoy sharing these linguistic insights, and such questions often lead to fascinating discussions about history, culture, and how Portuguese evolved. These conversations transform language learning from memorization into genuine cultural exchange.

Using Technology and Resources

Modern technology offers numerous tools to help you understand Portuguese meanings, complementing your direct questions to native speakers.

Dictionary Applications

While asking native speakers is invaluable, dictionary apps provide instant access to definitions. Learn to say Vou procurar no dicionário (I’ll look it up in the dictionary) when you encounter new words during self-study. Online dictionaries often include example sentences that show como se usa (how it’s used) in context.

Quality Portuguese-English dictionaries distinguish between Brazilian and European Portuguese, note formality levels, and provide cultural context—information that supplements what you learn from asking o que significa in conversations.

Language Learning Communities

Online forums and language learning platforms let you ask o que isso significa asynchronously. Post your question with context, and native speakers or advanced learners typically respond with detailed explanations. This method works well for complex phrases or when you need time to digest explanations.

Social media groups dedicated to Portuguese learning also provide opportunities to practice these questions. Reading other learners’ questions about meanings helps you see different ways to frame clarification requests and exposes you to vocabulary you might not encounter otherwise.

Conclusion

Mastering how to ask what things mean in Portuguese opens doors to deeper understanding and more meaningful connections with native speakers. From the versatile o que isso significa to the casual o que quer dizer and formal qual é o significado disso, you now have multiple tools for seeking clarification in any situation. Remember that Portuguese speakers appreciate learners who ask questions—it demonstrates respect for their language and genuine interest in communication. Practice these phrases regularly, adapt them to different contexts, and don’t fear making mistakes. Every question you ask brings you closer to fluency and cultural understanding.