Significar vs. querer decir
In Spanish, both significar and the phrase querer decir translate to to mean, but they are not always interchangeable. Significar generally refers to the formal definition or inherent meaning of something, while querer decir is more commonly used to ask what a person intends to convey or to clarify a point.
Significar
B1Significar is used to refer to the official or dictionary definition of a word. It is also used to talk about what something symbolizes, represents, or the consequences it entails. Think of it as the more objective, formal, or inherent meaning.
¿Qué significa la palabra 'efímero'?
(What does the word ephemeral mean?)
Una luz verde en el semáforo significa que puedes avanzar.
(A green light at the traffic signal means you can go.)
Este ascenso significa más responsabilidad para mí.
(This promotion means more responsibility for me.)
En nuestra cultura, la paloma blanca significa paz.
(In our culture, the white dove means peace.)
Su silencio puede significar muchas cosas.
(His silence can mean many things.)
Querer decir
A2Querer decir (literally to want to say) focuses on the intention behind words or actions. It is used to ask for clarification, to explain what you are trying to communicate, or to interpret someone's message. It is much more common in everyday, informal conversation.
No te entiendo, ¿qué quieres decir con eso?
(I don't understand you, what do you mean by that?)
Lo que quiero decir es que deberíamos pensar en otra solución.
(What I mean is that we should think of another solution.)
Perdona si te ofendí, no quise decir eso.
(I'm sorry if I offended you, I didn't mean to say that.)
Cuando dice que 'ya veremos', casi siempre quiere decir que no.
(When he says 'we'll see', it almost always means no.)
Esta cara que pones, ¿quiere decir que no te gusta la idea?
(That face you're making, does it mean you don't like the idea?)
Summary
In essence, use significar for definitions, symbols, and objective consequences (what something *is* or *represents*). Use querer decir when talking about a person's intention or clarifying a subjective message (what someone *wants to say*). However, in casual conversation, they are often used interchangeably when asking for the definition of a word.