Spanish for Confirming Understanding: Mastering 'So you're saying that...'
Learn to confirm what you heard in Spanish using phrases like '¿Entonces dices que...?' and '¿O sea que...?'. Practice with a dialogue and avoid common mistakes.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
In conversation, confirming that you understood correctly is essential. This lesson teaches you intermediate-level Spanish phrases to check comprehension, such as 'So you're saying that...'. You'll learn to use these phrases naturally in Latin American Spanish, with regional variations noted. We'll focus on confirmation, not asking for clarification, so you can ensure you're on the same page.
By the end, you can…
- confirm what someone said using phrases like '¿Entonces dices que...?'
- use alternative expressions like '¿O sea que...?' and '¿Quieres decir que...?' appropriately.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
¿Entonces dices que...?
So you're saying that...?
ehn-TOHN-sehs DEE-sehs keh
Common in Latin America to confirm understanding. Use in informal and neutral contexts.
¿O sea que...?
So that means...? / In other words...?
oh SEH-ah keh
Very common in Mexico and other regions. Slightly informal but widely used.
¿Quieres decir que...?
You mean that...?
KYEH-rehs deh-SEER keh
Neutral and polite. Suitable for both formal and informal situations.
¿Estás diciendo que...?
Are you saying that...?
ehs-TAHS dee-SYEN-doh keh
Used to confirm, often with a tone of surprise or seeking reassurance.
¿Me estás diciendo que...?
Are you telling me that...?
meh ehs-TAHS dee-SYEN-doh keh
Emphasizes that the information is directed at you. Can express disbelief.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
These phrases typically follow a pattern: a confirmation phrase + 'que' + a clause. For example, '¿Entonces dices que no puedes venir?' (So you're saying you can't come?). The clause after 'que' uses the indicative mood because it states what the other person said. You can also use '¿O sea que...?' which is similar to 'so' in English. Note that 'decir' (to say) is conjugated according to the subject: 'dices' (you say), 'estás diciendo' (you are saying).
When to use it
Use these phrases when you want to confirm that your understanding of what someone said is correct. They are not for asking for clarification of unclear words; instead, they check comprehension of the overall message. For example, if someone gives you instructions, you might say '¿Entonces dices que debo girar a la derecha?' (So you're saying I should turn right?). In more formal situations, '¿Quiere decir que...?' (with 'quiere' for usted) is appropriate. In casual conversation, '¿O sea que...?' is very common.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Para llegar a mi casa, toma el autobús 15 y bájate en la tercera parada.
To get to my house, take bus 15 and get off at the third stop.PAH-rah yeh-GAR ah mee KAH-sah, TOH-mah ehl ow-toh-BOOS KIN-seh ee BAH-hah-teh ehn lah tehr-SEH-rah pah-RAH-dah¿Entonces dices que debo tomar el autobús 15 y bajarme en la tercera parada?
So you're saying I should take bus 15 and get off at the third stop?ehn-TOHN-sehs DEE-sehs keh DEH-boh toh-MAR ehl ow-toh-BOOS KIN-seh ee bah-HAR-meh ehn lah tehr-SEH-rah pah-RAH-dahSí, exacto. Y luego caminas dos cuadras hacia la izquierda.
Yes, exactly. And then you walk two blocks to the left.see, ehk-SAHK-toh. ee LWEH-goh kah-MEE-nahs dohs KWAH-drahs AH-syah lah ees-KYEHR-dah¿O sea que después de bajarme, camino dos cuadras a la izquierda?
So that means after getting off, I walk two blocks to the left?oh SEH-ah keh dehs-PWEHS deh bah-HAR-meh, kah-MEE-noh dohs KWAH-drahs ah lah ees-KYEHR-dahA little context goes a long way
In Latin America, '¿O sea que...?' is extremely common in everyday speech, especially in Mexico and Colombia. '¿Entonces dices que...?' is neutral and widely understood. In more formal contexts, such as with elders or in professional settings, use '¿Quiere decir que...?' (with 'quiere' for usted). In Spain, '¿O sea que...?' is also used, but '¿Entonces dices que...?' might be less frequent; '¿Quieres decir que...?' is common there too. Always pay attention to tone: these phrases can sound confrontational if said with a sharp tone, so use a friendly intonation.
One thing to watch for
Using the subjunctive after 'que' in these phrases, e.g., '¿Entonces dices que no puedas venir?'
Try this instead: Use the indicative because you are confirming what the person actually said. Say '¿Entonces dices que no puedes venir?' (So you're saying you can't come?). The subjunctive would imply doubt or unreality, which is not the case here.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you confirm 'The meeting is at 3 PM' using '¿Entonces dices que...?'
Show a sample answer
¿Entonces dices que la reunión es a las 3?
This uses the phrase correctly with the indicative 'es'. You could also say '¿O sea que la reunión es a las 3?' or '¿Quieres decir que la reunión es a las 3?'.
2What is a more formal way to say 'So you're saying that...?' when speaking to a superior?
Show a sample answer
¿Quiere decir que...?
Using 'quiere' (usted form) is more formal. '¿Quieres decir que...?' is informal. Both are correct depending on context.
3Translate: 'Are you telling me that you don't have the money?' using '¿Me estás diciendo que...?'
Show a sample answer
¿Me estás diciendo que no tienes el dinero?
This uses the phrase correctly. Note that 'tienes' is the tú form; for usted, it would be '¿Me está diciendo que no tiene el dinero?'.
Use '¿Entonces dices que...?', '¿O sea que...?', or '¿Quieres decir que...?' to confirm understanding. Remember to use the indicative mood after 'que' and adjust formality with 'tú' or 'usted'.
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