what do you mean?
conversationalTo ask someone to explain what they mean.
Como assim?
— O plano mudou. — Como assim?
“The plan changed.” “What do you mean?”
how come? · what?
conversationalTo express surprise or disbelief at what someone has said.
Como assim, ...?
Como assim, você vai embora hoje?
What do you mean, you’re leaving today?
Tone changes the question
Said gently, como assim? asks for clarification. With a sharper or surprised tone, it can challenge what someone has just said. It does not always mean you failed to hear the words.
About this entry · draft content
Original prototype explanations and examples, drafted by AI. Not imported dictionary prose; awaiting Brazilian Portuguese editorial review.