Italian for Clarifying Meaning: Asking 'What Do You Mean?'
Learn to ask what someone means in Italian when a statement is unclear, using phrases like 'Cosa vuoi dire?' and 'In che senso?' to check meaning, not opinion.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When you're talking with someone in Italian and a word or sentence doesn't make sense, you need a way to ask what they mean. This is different from asking for an opinion, like 'Cosa ne pensi?' (What do you think?). Here you'll learn elementary phrases to clarify meaning: 'Cosa vuoi dire?', 'In che senso?', and more. These questions help you understand the speaker's intention without changing the topic to opinions.
By the end, you can…
- ask someone to explain what they mean when I don't understand.
- use at least three different Italian phrases to check meaning in conversation.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Cosa vuoi dire?
What do you mean?
KOH-zah VWOH-ee DEE-reh
Use with someone you know well (informal 'tu'). It asks for clarification of a statement.
Cosa vuole dire?
What do you mean? (formal)
KOH-zah VWOH-leh DEE-reh
Use with strangers, elders, or in professional settings (formal 'Lei').
In che senso?
In what sense? / What do you mean by that?
een keh SEN-soh
Very common to ask for clarification of a specific word or idea. Works in both formal and informal contexts.
Come sarebbe a dire?
What do you mean by that? / How so?
KOH-meh sah-REB-beh ah DEE-reh
Expresses surprise or slight disbelief. Use when something sounds strange or unexpected.
Non ho capito. Puoi ripetere?
I didn't understand. Can you repeat?
non oh kah-PEE-toh. PWOH-ee ree-PEH-teh-reh
A polite way to ask for repetition when you didn't hear or understand. Use 'Può' for formal.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask what someone means, use 'Cosa vuoi dire?' (informal) or 'Cosa vuole dire?' (formal). You can also say 'In che senso?' which literally means 'In what sense?' and is very common. For example: 'Non capisco. Cosa vuoi dire?' (I don't understand. What do you mean?). Another pattern: 'Cosa intendi con...?' (What do you mean by...?) followed by a noun: 'Cosa intendi con 'presto'?' (What do you mean by 'early'?).
When to use it
Use these phrases when a word or sentence is unclear, not when you want an opinion. For opinions, ask 'Cosa ne pensi?' (What do you think?). For meaning, ask 'Cosa vuoi dire?' or 'In che senso?'. If you didn't hear, say 'Come?' (What?) or 'Puoi ripetere?' (Can you repeat?). In formal situations, use 'Cosa vuole dire?' or 'Può ripetere?'. These keep the focus on understanding, not on judging.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Domani parto presto.
Tomorrow I'm leaving early.doh-MAH-nee PAR-toh PRES-tohIn che senso 'presto'? Alle sei?
In what sense 'early'? At six?een keh SEN-soh PRES-toh? AL-leh SEH-eeSì, alle sei di mattina.
Yes, at six in the morning.see, AL-leh SEH-ee dee maht-TEE-nahAh, capito. Grazie per la precisazione.
Ah, I see. Thanks for the clarification.ah, kah-PEE-toh. GRAH-tsyeh per lah preh-chee-zah-TSYOH-nehA little context goes a long way
In Italian, 'Cosa vuoi dire?' is informal and used with friends, family, or peers. With strangers or in formal contexts, use 'Cosa vuole dire?' or 'Come dice?'. 'In che senso?' is neutral and widely used. Avoid using informal 'tu' with elders or professionals unless invited. Regional variations exist: in some southern regions, 'Che vuoi dire?' is common, but standard Italian uses 'Cosa'.
One thing to watch for
Using 'Cosa vuoi dire?' with a stranger or someone older, which can sound too informal.
Try this instead: Use the formal 'Cosa vuole dire?' or 'Come dice?' with strangers, elders, or in professional settings. For example: 'Scusi, cosa vuole dire?' (Excuse me, what do you mean?).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'What do you mean?' informally to a friend?
Show a sample answer
Cosa vuoi dire?
This uses the informal 'tu' form 'vuoi'. It's appropriate with friends. A formal alternative is 'Cosa vuole dire?'.
2What phrase means 'In what sense?' and is used to clarify a specific word?
Show a sample answer
In che senso?
This phrase asks for clarification of meaning. It's neutral and works in most contexts. You could also say 'Cosa intendi?'.
3How would you politely ask someone to repeat because you didn't understand?
Show a sample answer
Non ho capito. Può ripetere?
This uses formal 'Può' for politeness. With a friend, you can say 'Non ho capito. Puoi ripetere?'.
To ask what someone means in Italian, use 'Cosa vuoi dire?' (informal) or 'Cosa vuole dire?' (formal), and 'In che senso?' for specific clarification. Remember to match formality to the situation.
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