Portuguese Phrase
Esse sinal quer dizer 'saída'.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that a particular sign indicates the way out. It is a straightforward way to point out an exit sign in public places such as malls, airports, or office buildings.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to explain the meaning of a sign that shows the direction to an exit, especially in contexts like giving directions, safety briefings, or when a visitor asks where to go.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Essesinalquerdizer'saída'
Esse (demonstrative pronoun)
Used to refer to something that is not close to the speaker but is known to the listener; similar to 'that' in English.
sinal (noun)
Means 'sign' or 'signal'; masculine singular noun.
quer dizer (verb phrase)
Literally 'wants to say', idiomatically used to mean 'means' or 'signifies'.
saída (noun)
Means 'exit' or 'way out'; feminine noun.
🗨In Conversation
Esse sinal quer dizer 'saída'?
Does this sign mean 'exit'?
Sim, é a saída de emergência.
Yes, it’s the emergency exit.
✕Common Mistakes
Este sinal quer dizer 'saída'.
Use 'Este' only if the sign is very close to you; otherwise 'Esse' is more natural.
Esse sinal significa 'saída'.
Learners sometimes replace it with 'significa' which is also correct, but 'quer dizer' is more colloquial.
↔Alternatives
Este sinal indica saída.
This sign indicates exit.
Esse aviso significa saída.
That notice means exit.
O sinal mostra a saída.
The sign shows the exit.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, exit signs often read simply 'Saída' or 'Saída de Emergência' and are usually placed in bright colors (green or red) for quick recognition. When speaking, using 'Esse' versus 'Este' can signal how far the sign is from you; 'Este' is for something right next to you, while 'Esse' is for something a bit farther away but still visible.