significar

to mean

verb seeg-nee-fee-KAHR Less Common

Also means

to signify

Usage Note

Significar is the standard verb for asking what a word means: ¿Qué significa esta palabra? ('What does this word mean?'). It is not used for personal intentions the way English 'mean' can be — for that, use querer decir ('to mean to say') or tener la intención.

Examples

"¿Qué significa esta palabra?"

Natural Translation

What does this word mean?

Literal Translation

What means this word?

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Say "I Like" in Spanish: Gustar Without the Confusion

Say I like in Spanish with gustar the right way: me gusta vs me gustan, why it's never yo gusto, the pronouns, articles, and five verbs that copy the pattern.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Te Quiero vs Te Amo: Saying "I Love You" in Spanish

Te quiero vs te amo, explained: te quiero is the warm, safe everyday I love you; te amo is deeper and more romantic. A relationship-by-relationship map.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Ser vs. Estar: When to Use Each in Spanish

Ser vs estar made simple: how you feel and where you are use estar, everything else uses ser. Master the rule, the exceptions, and the traps that flip meaning.

June 3, 2026 6 min read