How do you say mean in Spanish?

It depends on which 'mean' you need. For the verb (to signify), use significar or querer decir. For the adjective (cruel, unkind), use malo/a or cruel. The two meanings are completely separate words in Spanish.

What is the difference between significar and querer decir?

Both translate as 'to mean,' but significar is more formal and direct ('this word signifies X'), while querer decir (literally 'to want to say') is more conversational and is the preferred form in spoken Spanish. '¿Qué quiere decir?' is what most native speakers say casually.

How do I say 'you're being mean' in Spanish?

You can say 'estás siendo malo/a' or, more commonly in everyday speech, 'no seas malo/a' (don't be mean). If the behavior is more intense, use cruel: 'estás siendo muy cruel.'

Spanish vocabulary · Beginner

How to Say Mean in Spanish: Significar, Malo, Cruel, and the Key Differences

Written by Sofia Ramirez, Lead Spanish Curriculum Editor · Reviewed May 2026

Significar · verb / adjective · seeg-nee-fee-KAR

Mean in Spanish splits into two distinct concepts. As a verb ('what does that mean?'), it translates to significar or querer decir. As an adjective ('he is mean'), it translates to malo, cruel, or mezquino depending on the shade of meaning. Significar is a regular -ar verb used to express the idea of signifying or having a meaning. Querer decir (literally 'to want to say') is the more conversational alternative. On the adjective side, malo covers general unkindness, cruel implies harshness, and mezquino suggests pettiness or stinginess.

Significar is seeg-nee-fee-KAR, four syllables with stress on the last. Malo is MAH-loh, two syllables. Cruel is kroo-EHL, two syllables with stress on the second.

¿Qué significa esta palabra en español?

What does this word mean in Spanish?

Mean in Spanish: Quick Reference

Below are the most common Spanish words for mean, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.

Spanish	English	Pronunciation	Region / Register
significar	mean	seeg-nee-fee-KAR	Default, widely understood
querer decir	mean		to mean / to intend to say
malo/a	mean		mean as in cruel or unkind
cruel	mean		mean as in harsh
mezquino/a	mean		mean as in petty or stingy

How Native Speakers Use Significar

Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.

Asking for meaning (verb)

No entiendo. ¿Qué quiere decir eso?

I don't understand. What does that mean?

Querer decir is the most natural way to ask 'what does X mean?' in spoken Spanish. Significar is slightly more formal but equally correct.

Describing a cruel person (adjective)

No seas malo con tu hermana.

Don't be mean to your sister.

Malo is the go-to adjective for everyday 'mean' or 'unkind.' It shortens to mal before masculine singular nouns (un mal comentario) but keeps its full form after ser.

Describing harsh behavior

Fue muy cruel lo que le dijiste.

What you said to him was really mean.

Cruel is used when the behavior is particularly harsh or hurtful, carrying a stronger weight than malo.

Avoid These Mistakes When Using Significar

Using significar for 'mean' as an adjective

Incorrect: Ella es muy significar.

Correct: Ella es muy mala.

Significar is a verb meaning 'to signify.' It cannot be used as an adjective. When 'mean' describes a person's character, use malo/a or cruel.

Forgetting the irregular form of malo

Incorrect: Es un malo día. (word order error)

Correct: Es un mal día.

Before a masculine singular noun, malo shortens to mal: un mal día, un mal momento. After the noun or after ser/estar, it stays malo: el día es malo.

Lock in Mean Vocabulary with the Parrot Method

Why word lists alone don't stick

Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.

See Significar used by native speakers

Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using significar in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear ¿Qué significa esta palabra en español? while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.

Save, review, repeat, stay consistent

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Common Questions About Mean in Spanish

How do you say mean in Spanish?: It depends on which 'mean' you need. For the verb (to signify), use significar or querer decir. For the adjective (cruel, unkind), use malo/a or cruel. The two meanings are completely separate words in Spanish.
What is the difference between significar and querer decir?: Both translate as 'to mean,' but significar is more formal and direct ('this word signifies X'), while querer decir (literally 'to want to say') is more conversational and is the preferred form in spoken Spanish. '¿Qué quiere decir?' is what most native speakers say casually.
How do I say 'you're being mean' in Spanish?: You can say 'estás siendo malo/a' or, more commonly in everyday speech, 'no seas malo/a' (don't be mean). If the behavior is more intense, use cruel: 'estás siendo muy cruel.'