signifiquemos

Signifiquemos is the first-person plural present subjunctive form of the Spanish verb significar, meaning to signify or to mean. As a form, it is used to express proposed action, doubt, necessity, or exhortation in a collective sense, and can function as the inclusive “let us” in commands or suggestions: for example, Signifiquemos nuestras intenciones de forma clara. It is not a separate lexical item, but a grammatical form of significar.

Formation and pronunciation

The form is built from the stem signific- with the infinitive ending -ar transformed to the present-subjunctive nosotros ending -quemos, yielding signifiquemos. The -car ending triggers the usual c-to-qu change before -emos in the subjunctive. Pronunciation in standard Spanish is roughly sig-ni-fi-KE-mos, with the stress on the syllable que. The form is phonologically regular for -car verbs in the present subjunctive.

Usage and context

Signifiquemos appears most often in formal, rhetorical, or instructional contexts rather than in everyday conversation. It is commonly found in written language such as formal speeches, legal or political texts, and academic prose, where speakers urge a collective action or declare a shared intention. Examples include directives to communicate clearly what is meant, or to collectively designate a particular meaning or representation.

Related forms and notes

Significare is the root verb; related terms include significado (meaning) and significante in semiotic discussions. In contrast, signos como significamos (we signify in the indicative) uses a different mood and tense. Signifiquemos is the present-subjunctive plural form used when a subjunctive mood is required.