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Italian Phrase

Cosa significa questa parola?

/ˈkɔ.za siɲˈɲi.fi.ka ˈkwes.ta ˈpar.o.la/

Meaning"What does this word mean?"

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Meaning

Literally, “What does this word mean?” It is used when you encounter a word you don’t understand and want a definition or translation.

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When to use

Use this question in a classroom, while reading a text, or in everyday conversation when a new word pops up. It works both in formal settings (e.g., asking a teacher) and informal chats (e.g., with a friend).

✦Grammar Breakdown

Cosasignificaquestaparola?

1

Cosa

Interrogative pronoun meaning 'what', used at the beginning of a question.

2

significa

Third‑person singular present of the verb *significare* ‘to mean’; the subject is the implicit ‘it’ (the word).

3

questa

Demonstrative adjective ‘this’, agrees in gender and number with the noun that follows.

4

parola

Feminine singular noun meaning ‘word’. The article and adjective must match its gender.

🗨In Conversation

A

Cosa significa questa parola?

What does this word mean?

Significa ‘freedom’.

It means ‘freedom’.

B

✕Common Mistakes

Cosa significa questa parole?
The noun should stay singular because you’re referring to one word.
Cosa significa questo parola?
The demonstrative must agree with the feminine noun *parola*.
Cosa significa questa parola?
While grammatically correct, many learners over‑use *significa* in casual speech; native speakers often say *vuol dire*.

↔Alternatives

Che cosa vuol dire questa parola?
What does this word mean?
Che significa questa parola?
What does this word mean?
Cosa vuol dire questa parola?
What does this word mean?

Cultural Tip

Both *cosa* and *che cosa* are perfectly acceptable; *che cosa* sounds slightly more formal. In everyday speech Italians often prefer the idiomatic *vuol dire* instead of *significare*, so you’ll hear *Che cosa vuol dire…?* more often. Remember that *parola* is feminine, so the demonstrative must be *questa*, not *questo*.