Italian · Real conversations
Clarify a meaning naturally in Italian
Clarification works best when you identify the unclear part. Ask about a word, check a possible interpretation, or request an example that makes the meaning concrete.
Three ways to say it
Che cosa significa questa parola?
What does this word mean?
Ask about one unfamiliar word.
Vuoi dire che dovremmo partire adesso?
Do you mean that we should leave now?
Check whether you have understood the person's intended message.
Potresti spiegarmelo con un esempio?
Could you explain that with an example?
Ask for a concrete example when a definition is not enough.
Avoid translating word by word
English 'Do you mean ...?' asks about intended meaning, not an average or an unkind person. Keep the target-language construction for intention or meaning instead of translating the isolated word 'mean'.
See the difference in context
An unfamiliar word in a sentence
C'è una parola nuova in questa frase.
There's a new word in this sentence.
Che cosa significa questa parola?
What does this word mean?
Checking whether it is time to leave
Non abbiamo molto tempo.
We don't have much time.
Vuoi dire che dovremmo partire adesso?
Do you mean that we should leave now?
Your turn
You understand the words but not how the idea works. Ask for an explanation with an example.
Reveal a sample reply
Potresti spiegarmelo con un esempio?
Could you explain that with an example?
This speaking goal in other languages
A note on speaking Italian
Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.
Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.
