significar (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

• Verb

Phonetic Transcription

• /siɡni.fiˈkaɾ/

Translation Options into English

• To mean
• To signify
• To represent

Meaning and Usage

The verb "significar" is used in Spanish to express the idea of denoting, indicating, or representing a particular meaning. It is frequently utilized in both oral and written contexts, commonly appearing in discussions about language, concepts, and interpretations.

The frequency of use is quite high, particularly in academic, formal, and informal conversations. It can be employed in various contexts, from everyday conversations to more complex discussions about philosophy, language, or semiotics.

Example Sentences

1. La palabra "amor" significa diferentes cosas para cada persona.
   (The word "love" means different things to each person.)

2. ¿Qué significa este símbolo en la cultura indígena?
   (What does this symbol mean in indigenous culture?)

3. Es importante entender lo que realmente significa su mensaje.
   (It's important to understand what his message really signifies.)

Idiomatic Expressions

"Significar" is commonly used in several idiomatic expressions in the Spanish language, often relating to implications, connotations, or interpretations.

1. No significa que…
2. Translation: It doesn't mean that...

3. Example: "No significa que no esté interesado, solo que tengo otras prioridades."
   (It doesn’t mean I’m not interested, just that I have other priorities.)

4. Significar el final de…

5. Translation: To signify the end of...

6. Example: "La firma del tratado significa el final de años de conflicto."
   (The signing of the treaty signifies the end of years of conflict.)

7. Significar un cambio en…

8. Translation: To signify a change in...

9. Example: "La nueva política significa un cambio en la forma en que manejamos los recursos."
   (The new policy signifies a change in the way we manage resources.)

10. Significar mucho para alguien

11. Translation: To mean a lot to someone

12. Example: "Aceptar mi oferta significaría mucho para mí."
    (Accepting my offer would mean a lot to me.)

13. Significar un paso adelante

14. Translation: To signify a step forward
15. Example: "La mejora en sus habilidades significó un paso adelante en su carrera."
    (The improvement in his skills signified a step forward in his career.)

Etymology

The word "significar" comes from the Latin "significare," which is formed from "signum" (meaning "sign") and "facere" (meaning "to make or to do"). This reflects the original meaning of conveying or making something known through a sign.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms

• Denotar (to denote)
• Representar (to represent)
• Implicar (to imply)

Antonyms

• Ocultar (to hide)
• Silenciar (to silence)
• Disimular (to dissimulate)

This comprehensive overview covers the term "significar," highlighting its usage, meaning, related phrases, and more within the Spanish language.