This is the 11958th most frequent Portuguese word.
quê
"Quê" in Portuguese means "what" or refers to a distinctive quality or essence.
The word 'quê' is used here to introduce a relative clause expressing the object of what was not understood.
Não entendi o quê você quis dizer.
I did not understand what you meant.
In this case, 'quê' is used as a standalone question to ask for clarification or repetition.
Você vai ao teatro ou ao cinema? — Quê?
Are you going to the theater or the cinema? — What?
Here, 'quê' functions as a noun meaning an indefinable, intriguing quality.