QUICK ANSWER
"A qué se refiere" is a form of "a qué se refiere", a phrase which is often translated as "what you mean". "Qué quiere decir" is a form of "qué quiere decir", a phrase which is often translated as "what does it mean". Learn more about the difference between "a qué se refiere" and "qué quiere decir" below.
a qué se refiere(
ah
keh
seh
reh
-
fyeh
-
reh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (formal) (in statements; singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. what you mean
¿Por qué está intentando minar mi autoridad? - No sé a qué se refiere.Why are you trying to undermine my authority? - I don't know what you mean.
2. (formal) (in questions; singular)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. what do you mean
¿A qué se refiere cuando dice que hay excepciones a esta regla?What do you mean when you say that there are exceptions to this rule?
qué quiere decir
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. what does it mean
No conozco esa palabra. ¿Qué quiere decir?I don't know that word. What does it mean?
a. what it means
Pronto aprenderás qué quiere decir ser estudiante universitario.You'll soon learn what it means to be a college student.
