Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Meaning in Spanish
Significado · noun · seeg-nee-fee-KAH-doh
The Spanish word for meaning is 'significado,' a masculine noun used to refer to the definition or sense of a word, phrase, or symbol. The related word 'sentido' is used when meaning refers to purpose or deeper significance, as in 'el sentido de la vida' (the meaning of life). Both terms are essential for language learners and everyday conversation.
Significado is pronounced seeg-nee-fee-KAH-doh. The stress falls on the fourth syllable 'ca.' Each vowel is clearly pronounced with no silent letters.
¿Cuál es el significado de esta palabra?
What is the meaning of this word?
Meaning in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for meaning, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| significado | meaning | seeg-nee-fee-KAH-doh | Default, widely understood |
| sentido | meaning | meaning in the sense of purpose or direction | |
| acepción | meaning | specific definition of a word in dictionaries |
How Native Speakers Use Significado
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Language learning
No conozco el significado de esa expresión.
I don't know the meaning of that expression.
Asking about an unfamiliar phrase while studying.
Deeper purpose
Encontré un nuevo sentido en mi trabajo.
I found new meaning in my work.
Discussing personal fulfillment and purpose.
Symbol interpretation
El significado de ese símbolo varía según la cultura.
The meaning of that symbol varies by culture.
Analyzing the interpretation of a cultural symbol.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Significado
Confusing significado with sentido
Incorrect: ¿Cuál es el sentido de la palabra 'casa'?
Correct: ¿Cuál es el significado de la palabra 'casa'?
When asking for a word's dictionary definition, 'significado' is the correct choice — 'sentido' is better suited for deeper or contextual meaning.
Wrong gender
Incorrect: La significado de este poema es compleja.
Correct: El significado de este poema es complejo.
Significado is a masculine noun, requiring the article 'el' and masculine agreement on adjectives.
Lock in Meaning 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 Significado used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using significado in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear ¿Cuál es el significado de esta palabra? while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Meaning in Spanish
- When should I use significado vs sentido?
- Use 'significado' when referring to the literal definition of a word or symbol, and 'sentido' when discussing the broader purpose, direction, or philosophical meaning of something.
- How do you say 'What does this mean?' in Spanish?
- The most natural phrasing is '¿Qué significa esto?' using the verb 'significar,' which is the verb form related to the noun 'significado.'
- What is the plural of significado?
- The plural is 'significados,' commonly used when a word has multiple definitions, as in 'esta palabra tiene varios significados' (this word has several meanings).