About: qué + [ser]

Question

Hello,I´ve just learned that I can use qué+ser to definite a meaning of what is it.Why the sentence doesn´t add ser? Thanks.¿________ significa "presumido"?

Silvia Piriz · Accepted Answer

Hola Claire F

Great question! In this case, the verb "ser" is not explicitly included in the sentence because the question "¿Qué significa 'presumido'?" already conveys the idea of "what does it mean?" through the verb "significar" (to mean).
When asking for a definition or meaning, Spanish often uses "significar" instead of "ser", especially when referring to words, concepts, or translations.
For example:
¿Qué significa 'presumido'? = What does "presumido" mean?
¿Qué es 'presumido'? = What is "presumido"?
Both are correct, but "significar" focuses more on the meaning of the word, while "ser" could lead to a more general explanation or description.
In short, "significar" is the verb being used to ask about the meaning here, which is why "ser" is not included.
Saludos
Silvia