Portuguese Phrase
O que você quer dizer exatamente com 'sinergia'?
Meaning
This phrase is used to ask for clarification when someone uses a word or concept that is unclear or seems like jargon. It specifically asks for a more precise explanation of the term 'sinergia' (synergy) in this context. It implies that the speaker understands the individual words but not the intended meaning or application of the specific term.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need someone to elaborate on a specific word or concept they've used, especially if it's a buzzword, technical term, or something that feels vague. It's a polite way to ask for a more concrete or understandable explanation without implying the other person is wrong.
✦Grammar Breakdown
O quevocêquer dizerexatamentecom'sinergia'
O que
'O que' means 'what' and is used to ask for information about something. It's a common interrogative pronoun in Portuguese.
você
'Você' is the informal (but widely used) second-person singular pronoun, meaning 'you'. It's very common in Brazil and increasingly in Portugal.
quer dizer
This is a verb phrase meaning 'to want to say' or 'to mean'. 'Quer' is the conjugation of 'querer' (to want) for 'você', and 'dizer' is the infinitive of 'to say/to mean'.
exatamente
This adverb means 'exactly'. It's placed here to emphasize the request for a precise explanation.
com
'Com' is a preposition meaning 'with'. In this context, it translates to 'by' when asking 'what do you mean by X?'
'sinergia'
This is the specific word being questioned, meaning 'synergy'. It's enclosed in single quotes to indicate it's the term being defined or clarified.
🗨In Conversation
Precisamos criar mais sinergia entre os departamentos.
We need to create more synergy between departments.
O que você quer dizer exatamente com 'sinergia'?
What exactly do you mean by 'synergy'?
✕Common Mistakes
O que você quer falar exatamente com 'sinergia'?
While 'falar' means 'to speak', 'dizer' is used when referring to the content or meaning of what is being communicated. 'Dizer' is more appropriate for 'to mean' or 'to say something specific'.
O que você quer exatamente dizer com 'sinergia'?
The adverb 'exatamente' typically comes before the verb it modifies ('quer dizer') or after the entire verb phrase, but placing it between 'quer' and 'dizer' sounds more natural and emphasizes the 'exactly'.
↔Alternatives
Pode explicar melhor o que significa 'sinergia'?
Can you explain better what 'synergy' means?
O que você entende por 'sinergia'?
What do you understand by 'synergy'?
Poderia me dar um exemplo de 'sinergia'?
Could you give me an example of 'synergy'?
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, direct questions for clarification are generally well-received, especially in professional or academic settings. Using 'exatamente' adds a polite emphasis on precision. It's common to encounter business jargon like 'sinergia', and asking for clarification is seen as a sign of engagement rather than ignorance.