In French, “meaning” is usually le sens or la signification. To ask what a phrase means, French speakers often use vouloir dire (“to mean”). The best choice depends on whether you mean a word’s sense, a definition, or what someone intends. To ask for clarification politely, add s’il vous plaît to your question.
le sens = meaning or sense; la signification = definition or significance; ça veut dire… = that means…
How to Say “Meaning” in French
The most useful noun is le sens (masculine). It works for the meaning of a word, sentence, gesture, or situation. La signification (feminine) is also correct and often points to a definition, symbolic meaning, or significance. Both nouns take the article that matches their grammatical gender: le sens but la signification.
Different Ways to Express Meaning
Sens
Sens is the everyday choice for “sense” or “meaning.” It can also mean “direction,” as in a one-way street, so the surrounding words tell you which sense is intended.
Meaning: What is the meaning of this word?
Signification
Signification suits questions about a word’s definition or what a sign, color, or symbol represents. It is a little longer and can sound more precise than sens.
Meaning: What is the meaning of this symbol?
Vouloir dire
The phrase vouloir dire means “to mean.” In a common question, ça veut dire means “that means” or “that is to say.” The verb agrees with its subject: ces mots veulent dire means “these words mean.”
Talking About Intended Meaning
For what a person intends or is trying to say, use a form of vouloir dire. For example, Qu’est-ce que tu veux dire ? asks “What do you mean?” The noun sens can also refer to the point or sense of a remark.
Which French Word Should You Choose?
| French | Best used for | Example idea |
|---|---|---|
| le sens | General sense or meaning | The meaning of a word |
| la signification | Definition or symbolic significance | The meaning of a sign |
| vouloir dire | What something or someone means | “What does that mean?” |
Pronunciation Tips
Sens sounds roughly like “sahns”: its vowel is nasal, and the final s is silent. In signification, the final syllables sound approximately “kah-syohn,” with a nasal vowel at the end. In connected speech, listen for the phrase as a whole rather than pronouncing every written consonant.
Example Sentences
| French | English | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire ? | What does that mean? | Everyday question |
| Je ne comprends pas le sens de cette phrase. | I don’t understand the meaning of this sentence. | General meaning |
| Quelle est la signification de ce signe ? | What is the meaning of this sign? | Definition or symbol |
| Ces mots veulent dire la même chose. | These words mean the same thing. | Plural subject |
Frequently Asked Questions About “Meaning” in French
Common questions about choosing the right expression.
Is “meaning” always sens?
No. Sens is a common general translation, while signification is useful for a definition or symbolic meaning. Use vouloir dire when you mean “to mean.”
How do I ask “What does that mean?”
Say Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire ? This is a natural, everyday question.
Is sens masculine or feminine?
Sens is masculine: le sens. Signification is feminine: la signification.
Summary: Meaning in French
Use le sens for a general meaning, la signification for a definition or significance, and vouloir dire to say what something means. In everyday conversation, Qu’est-ce que ça veut dire ? is a useful phrase to remember.
