馃嚠馃嚬 Italian phrases

How to Say "What does this mean?" in Italian

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Cosa significa questo?
"What does this mean?" in Italian 路 say it like koh-zah seen-ee-fih-kah tohs-toh

The most natural way to say "What does this mean?" in Italian is Cosa significa questo?. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Che significa questo?
Another way to ask, slightly more casual.
Qual 猫 il significato di questo?
More formal, often used in written contexts.

When to use it

Use this phrase when you want to understand the meaning of something specific. It can be used in conversations, classrooms, or when reading. It's a straightforward way to ask for clarification.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "What does this mean?" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Italian

ItalianEnglish
Cosa significa questo simbolo?What does this symbol mean?
Non capisco, cosa significa questo?I don't understand, what does this mean?
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'significare' with 'significato', which is a noun. Remember to use the verb form.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Cosa significa questo?, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Italian with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this phrase in a formal setting?

Yes, it's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

Learn Italian by speaking it

Two free conversations. No card needed.