Bedeutung
Used to ask for the definition of a word or phrase.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In American classrooms, students are encouraged to interrupt (politely) to ask 'What does that mean?'. It is seen as a sign of a 'good student.' British speakers might use 'What does [word] mean?' but often prefer 'Sorry, what was that?' if they just missed the word, or 'Could you clarify...?' in formal settings. When learning English, Japanese students may hesitate to ask this question to avoid 'meiwaku' (troubling others). However, in English contexts, it is highly recommended to ask. In the tech world, 'What does that mean?' is a power move to cut through 'buzzwords' and get to the actual facts.
Use 'it'
If you just heard a word, you can simply ask 'What does it mean?' instead of repeating the word.
The 'Does' Rule
Never forget the 'does'! 'What mean apple?' is the most common mistake for beginners.
Bedeutung
Used to ask for the definition of a word or phrase.
Use 'it'
If you just heard a word, you can simply ask 'What does it mean?' instead of repeating the word.
The 'Does' Rule
Never forget the 'does'! 'What mean apple?' is the most common mistake for beginners.
Don't be shy!
Native speakers love explaining their language. Asking for a definition is a great way to start a conversation.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the question with the correct auxiliary verb.
What ____ 'gigantic' mean?
'Gigantic' is a singular subject, so we use 'does.'
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct question:
This follows the [What] + [does] + [subject] + [base verb] pattern.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Look at that sign. It says 'Caution.' B: ____________________?
This is the natural way to ask for a definition in a conversation.
Match the question to the situation.
Match the following:
Each variation fits a specific context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
When to use this phrase
Learning
- • New words
- • Idioms
- • Grammar terms
Daily Life
- • Signs
- • Menus
- • Instructions
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenWhat ____ 'gigantic' mean?
'Gigantic' is a singular subject, so we use 'does.'
Select the correct question:
This follows the [What] + [does] + [subject] + [base verb] pattern.
A: Look at that sign. It says 'Caution.' B: ____________________?
This is the natural way to ask for a definition in a conversation.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
Each variation fits a specific context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is always 'What does it mean?'. 'Mean' is a verb, so it needs the auxiliary 'does'.
Yes, that is a perfectly natural and slightly more formal alternative.
Use 'do' instead of 'does'. For example: 'What do these words mean?'
No, it's actually very professional. It ensures you don't make mistakes based on a misunderstanding.
You can say 'What does NASA mean?' or more specifically, 'What does NASA stand for?'
'Mean' is common and everyday. 'Signify' is formal and often used in academic or symbolic contexts.
Yes! You can ask 'What does this sentence mean?' if you understand the words but not the overall message.
'What do you mean?' asks about a person's intent or logic, while 'What does it mean?' asks for a definition.
In very casual speech, you can just say 'Meaning?' with a rising intonation.
Yes! 'What does 'ciao' mean in English?' is a perfect sentence.
Verwandte Redewendungen
What is the meaning of...
similarA slightly more formal way to ask for a definition.
What do you mean?
similarAsking a person to explain their statement or intent.
What does it stand for?
specialized formAsking for the full words of an acronym.
Could you define...
formalA polite, formal way to ask for a definition.
