About: qué + [ser]

Claire F.A1Kwiziq community member

About: qué + [ser]

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"?

Asked 2 weeks ago
SilviaNative Spanish expert teacher in Kwiziq

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

Claire F. asked:

About: qué + [ser]

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"?

Sign in to submit your answer

Don't have an account yet? Join today

Ask a question

Find your Spanish level for FREE

Test your Spanish to the CEFR standard

Find your Spanish level
Getting that for you now...