B1 Prepositions 13 min read Medium

Understanding 'Mean': What do you mean? (mean)

Mastering 'mean' helps you express intent, define, and clarify with confidence.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'mean' to define words, explain your intentions, or ask for clarification using the preposition 'by'.

  • Use 'mean + noun' to define things: 'Aardvark means a type of animal.'
  • Use 'mean + to + verb' for intentions: 'I didn't mean to break it.'
  • Use 'mean by' for clarification: 'What do you mean by that?'
👤 + mean + (by/to) + ❓/💡

Overview

The word 'mean' is very important. It helps you say many things.

It shows what a word or action says. It makes things clear.

This page shows you how to use 'mean'. You will feel confident.

How This Grammar Works

There are four ways to use 'mean'. Each way has its own rules.
1. To explain what something is.
Use this to explain a word. Ask: 'What does this mean?'
Put the explanation or the thing after the word 'mean'.
  • Structure: Subject + mean + Noun/Noun Phrase or Clause
  • Examples:
  • 'Egalitarian' means believing in equality. (Here, mean connects the word to its definition.)
  • A red light means that you must stop your vehicle. (The action of the light signifies a mandatory action.)
  • Her silence meant she was displeased. (Her action is interpreted as a sign of an emotional state.)
2. To Intend or Plan (What someone wants or has in mind)
To show what you want to do, use 'mean to'.
This often contrasts with an actual outcome, implying a discrepancy between what was intended and what happened.
  • Structure: Subject + mean + to + Base Verb
  • Examples:
  • I meant to call you back, but I got busy. (The speaker intended to call but did not.)
  • Do you mean to suggest that I am wrong? (Questioning the other person's underlying purpose in speaking.)
  • She means to finish her thesis by the end of the year. (Her firm objective.)
3. To Result In or Involve (What something causes or necessitates)
Use 'mean' with an -ing word to show what happens next.
Start with a thing that happened or a choice.
  • Structure: Subject + mean + Gerund (-ing verb) or Noun Phrase
  • Examples:
  • Missing the deadline means working overtime all weekend. (The consequence of missing the deadline.)
  • A promotion means more responsibility and longer hours. (The inherent implications of the promotion.)
  • Being unprepared meant a lower score on the exam. (The outcome caused by a state of unpreparedness.)
4. To show something is important to you.
This shows how you feel. Use 'to me' or 'to her'.
  • Structure: Subject + mean + a lot/everything/nothing + to + Person/Pronoun
  • Examples:
  • Your friendship means a lot to me. (Expressing the high value placed on the friendship.)
  • This opportunity means everything to her career. (Highlighting the critical importance for her professional life.)
  • His opinion means nothing to me anymore. (Indicating a complete lack of personal value in his opinion.)

Formation Pattern

1
The word changes in the past. It does not use -ed.
2
Conjugation Table:
3
How to use the word at different times:
4
| :-------------------- | :-------- | :-------------------------------------------- |
5
| Base Form | mean | I mean what I say. |
6
For he, she, or it, say 'means'. Like: 'He means well.'
7
| Past Simple | meant | She meant to tell you. |
8
For the past, use 'meant'. Like: 'I meant to help.'
9
The word 'meaning' is often a name for an idea.
10
Use 'do', 'does', or 'did' to ask or say 'no'.
11
To say no: I do not mean.
12
I do not mean to cause trouble. (Contraction: I don't mean...)
13
It does not mean you are wrong. (Contraction: It doesn't mean...)
14
To ask a question: Do you mean...?
15
Do you mean we should start over?
16
Does she mean what she says?
17
To say no about the past: I did not mean.
18
We did not mean to arrive late. (Contraction: We didn't mean...)
19
To ask about the past: Did you mean...?
20
Did he mean to insult you?
21
Sometimes use 'have' or 'had' before the word 'meant'.
22
I have meant to visit that museum for ages. (Present Perfect)
23
She had meant to finish the report before noon. (Past Perfect)

When To Use It

Use 'mean' to speak clearly. It is a very helpful word.
1. To Elicit or Provide Definitions and Explanations:
Use 'mean' when you want to know what a word says.
  • What does this abstract painting mean? (Asking for interpretation or significance.)
  • In this context, 'sustainable' means environmentally friendly development. (Providing a specific definition relevant to the situation.)
  • The company logo means strength and reliability. (The logo represents these qualities.)
2. Why you want to do something:
Use 'mean' for a plan. It shows what you want.
  • I meant to apologize, but I couldn't find the right words. (Stating an unexecuted intention.)
  • He means to apply for that scholarship next semester. (Expressing a firm future intention.)
  • Did you mean to delete that file permanently? (Questioning the deliberate nature of an action.)
3. What happens next:
Use 'mean' when one thing causes another thing.
  • Taking this shortcut means arriving much earlier. (The shortcut will result in an earlier arrival.)
  • Accepting the new role means relocating to a different city. (The new role necessitates relocation.)
  • For me, success means financial independence and personal fulfillment. (Defining the components of success.)
4. When something is very important:
It shows your feelings. Use it for love or thanks.
  • Your encouragement meant the world to me during that difficult time. (Expressing profound gratitude and emotional support.)
  • Every achievement means a great deal to him because he worked so hard. (Emphasizing the high personal value of his accomplishments.)
  • Does your family mean a lot to you? (Inquiring about personal values.)
5. To Clarify or Rephrase a Previous Statement:
Say 'I mean' to fix a mistake. Use it to explain.
  • The meeting is at 3 PM – I mean, 3:30 PM, sorry. (Self-correction.)
  • It's a challenging course, I mean, it requires a lot of independent study. (Elaborating on what 'challenging' implies.)
  • You said we need to hurry. Do you mean we're running out of time? (Seeking clarification.)

When Not To Use It

Be careful with 'mean'. It is not for every sentence.
1. Do not use 'mean' for 'is' or 'are':
Do not use it to describe things. Use 'is'.
  • Incorrect: The sky means blue. (The sky is blue.)
  • Incorrect: My car means old. (My car is old.)
  • Correct: The colour blue means sadness for some people. (Here, blue signifies sadness.)
2. Avoid Using Instead of want or would like (Desire):
Do not use 'mean' for food. Say 'I want' instead.
  • Incorrect: I mean a coffee, please. (This implies the coffee itself has a hidden meaning or purpose, rather than expressing a desire for it.)
  • Correct: I want a coffee, please. or I would like a coffee, please. (Expressing a direct desire or polite request.)
3. Do not use for what things do:
Use simple words like 'cut'. Do not use 'mean' here.
  • Incorrect: This button means to turn on the light. (Buttons do not 'intend'; they perform functions.)
  • Correct: This button turns on the light. or This button is for turning on the light.
4. Do Not Use as a Generic Replacement for think or believe (Opinion Without Implication):
Usually, do not use 'mean' for opinions. Just speak clearly.
  • Incorrect: I mean the movie was fantastic. (Sounds awkward and like you're correcting yourself unnecessarily.)
  • Correct: I think the movie was fantastic. or I believe the movie was fantastic. (Directly stating an opinion.)
  • Correct (with clarification): It was a long film, I mean, it felt like three hours. (Clarifying what long specifically implied.)
5. Do not use for guesses:
Use it for signs. Example: 'Clouds mean rain'.
  • Incorrect: The weather forecast means it will rain tomorrow. (The forecast says it will rain.)
  • Correct: The sudden drop in temperature means we might get snow. (The temperature drop is a sign of snow.)

Common Mistakes

People make mistakes with 'mean'. Here is how to fix them.
1. Confusing mean to do (intention) with mean doing (consequence):
The word after 'mean' changes the story. Be careful.
  • I meant to buy groceries. (Intention: I intended to buy them, but perhaps I forgot or didn't get around to it.)
  • Buying groceries meant waiting in a long queue. (Consequence: The act of buying groceries involved or resulted in waiting in a queue.)
The wrong word can confuse people. Choose your words well.
2. Use 'meant', not 'meaned':
Do not add '-ed'. Say 'meant' for the past.
  • Incorrect: I meaned to tell you earlier. (meaned is not a word in standard English.)
  • Correct: I meant to tell you earlier. (meant is the correct past simple and past participle.)
Practice the word 'meant'. Do not forget it.
3. Do not say 'I mean' too much:
Saying it too much makes you sound nervous.
  • Overused Example: I mean, it was, I mean, a good film, but I mean, the ending was strange, I mean. (Here, I mean adds no value and disrupts flow.)
  • Appropriate Use: The project deadline is Friday – I mean, this coming Friday, not next week's. (Clarification.)
Only use 'I mean' to explain your point better.
4. Use 'to' when something is important to you.
Use 'to' to show who cares about something.
  • Incorrect: Your support means a lot me. (Missing the preposition to.)
  • Correct: Your support means a lot to me. (Clearly specifies the recipient of the importance.)
Many people forget this word. Some words always go together.
5. Use 'want' or 'would like' to ask for things.
'Mean' is for deep feelings. Do not use for requests.
  • Incorrect: What do you mean for dinner? (This sounds like you're asking about the philosophical significance of dinner.)
  • Correct: What do you want for dinner? or What would you like for dinner? (Expressing a desire for food.)

Common Collocations

Some words go together naturally. This helps you speak well.
  • What do you mean?: This is a direct and extremely common question used to ask for clarification or further explanation when something is unclear or surprising. Its tone can range from polite inquiry to frustrated demand, depending on intonation.
  • `

2. Negative Contractions

Full Form Contraction Usage
do not mean
don't mean
Common
does not mean
doesn't mean
Common
did not mean
didn't mean
Common

Conjugation of the Verb 'Mean'

Tense Subject Form Example
Present Simple
I/You/We/They
mean
I mean what I say.
Present Simple
He/She/It
means
It means a lot.
Past Simple
All subjects
meant
I meant to call.
Present Perfect
I/You/We/They
have meant
I have always meant to visit.
Past Participle
All subjects
meant
It was meant to be.
Gerund
All subjects
meaning
Meaning well isn't enough.

Meanings

The verb 'mean' is used to express the sense of a word, the intention of an actor, or the significance of an event.

1

Definition/Signification

To have a specific meaning or to represent a concept.

“The red light means you must stop.”

“What does 'ubiquitous' mean?”

2

Intention

To intend to do something or to have a purpose.

“I meant to call you, but I forgot.”

“She didn't mean to be rude.”

3

Importance/Value

To have importance or value to someone.

“This ring means a lot to me.”

“Your support means everything.”

4

Result/Consequence

To result in or involve something as a necessary part.

“Lowering prices means less profit.”

“The new job means moving to London.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Understanding 'Mean': What do you mean? (mean)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative (Definition)
Subject + mean(s) + Noun
This sign means 'danger'.
Affirmative (Intention)
Subject + mean(s) + to + Verb
I mean to finish this today.
Negative (Intention)
Subject + don't/doesn't mean + to + Verb
She doesn't mean to be late.
Question (Definition)
What + do/does + Subject + mean?
What does 'clutter' mean?
Question (Clarification)
What + do/does + Subject + mean + by + Noun?
What do you mean by that?
Past Affirmative
Subject + meant + to + Verb
We meant to arrive early.
Past Negative
Subject + didn't mean + to + Verb
I didn't mean to scare you.
Gerund (Result)
Subject + mean(s) + Verb-ing
Success means working hard.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Could you please elaborate on what you mean by 'restructuring'?

Could you please elaborate on what you mean by 'restructuring'? (Workplace)

Neutral
What do you mean by 'restructuring'?

What do you mean by 'restructuring'? (Workplace)

Informal
What do you mean, 'restructuring'?

What do you mean, 'restructuring'? (Workplace)

Slang
WDYM restructuring?

WDYM restructuring? (Workplace)

The Many Faces of 'Mean'

MEAN

Definitions

  • Signify Red means stop
  • Translate 'Hola' means 'Hello'

Intentions

  • Plan I mean to go
  • Accident I didn't mean to

Importance

  • Value It means a lot

Mean vs. Say

Say (Literal)
The words used He said 'I'm fine'.
Mean (Internal)
The true feeling He meant he was sad.

Choosing the right form of 'Mean'

1

Is it a definition?

YES
Use 'mean + noun'
NO
Check intention
2

Is it an intention?

YES
Use 'mean + to + verb'
NO
Use 'mean + ing' for results

Common Collocations

🔗

Prepositions

  • • mean by
  • • mean to
  • • mean for
🗣️

Phrases

  • • I mean it
  • • Meant to be
  • • What I mean is...
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Examples by Level

1

What does this word mean?

2

Red means stop.

3

You mean a lot to me.

4

Does this mean yes?

1

I didn't mean to hurt you.

2

He meant to call yesterday.

3

What did she mean by that?

4

I meant the other one.

1

What do you mean by 'expensive'?

2

Working here means traveling a lot.

3

I've been meaning to ask you something.

4

That's not what I meant at all.

1

The failure of the pump meant that the whole system crashed.

2

I didn't mean for this to happen.

3

Do you mean to tell me you lost the keys?

4

By no means is this an easy task.

1

The gesture was meant as a peace offering.

2

I mean, it’s not that I don’t like him, but he’s difficult.

3

What is meant by 'justice' varies across cultures.

4

He is a man of considerable means.

1

The end justifies the means.

2

It was no mean feat to complete the marathon in under three hours.

3

The poem's imagery is meant to evoke a sense of nostalgia.

4

I mean to say, the implications are staggering.

Easily Confused

Understanding 'Mean': What do you mean? (mean) vs Mean vs. Intend

Both express purpose, but 'intend' is much more formal.

Understanding 'Mean': What do you mean? (mean) vs Mean vs. Meaning

Learners use the noun when they need the verb.

Understanding 'Mean': What do you mean? (mean) vs Mean (Verb) vs. Mean (Adjective)

The same word has totally different meanings.

Common Mistakes

✗

What means this word?

✓

What does this word mean?

English questions need 'do/does' support.
✗

This word is meaning apple.

✓

This word means apple.

'Mean' is a stative verb for definitions; don't use -ing.
✗

It mean a lot.

✓

It means a lot.

Forgeting the third-person 's'.
✗

What mean 'hello'?

✓

What does 'hello' mean?

Missing both the auxiliary and the correct word order.
✗

I meant call you.

✓

I meant to call you.

Intentions require 'to + infinitive'.
✗

I didn't meant it.

✓

I didn't mean it.

After 'did/didn't', use the base form 'mean'.
✗

He is mean to go.

✓

He means to go.

Confusing the verb 'mean' with the adjective 'mean' (using 'to be').
✗

What do you mean with that?

✓

What do you mean by that?

The standard preposition for clarification is 'by'.
✗

I've been meaning asking you.

✓

I've been meaning to ask you.

Even in the perfect continuous, 'mean' (intent) takes 'to + infinitive'.
✗

This means to work harder.

✓

This means working harder.

When 'mean' indicates a consequence/result, use the gerund.
✗

The end justifies the mean.

✓

The end justifies the means.

In this idiom, 'means' is always plural.

Sentence Patterns

What does ___ mean?

I didn't mean to ___.

What do you mean by ___?

___ means ___ing.

Real World Usage

Texting constant

WDYM you can't come tonight?

Job Interview common

I mean to contribute to the growth of this company.

Customer Service very common

What do you mean by 'non-refundable'?

Romantic Relationships occasional

You mean the world to me.

Classroom constant

Does this word mean the same as 'big'?

Legal/Contracts occasional

The term 'User' shall mean any person accessing the site.

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💡

The 'By' Rule

Whenever you are confused by what someone said, use 'What do you mean by...?' It is the most polite and clear way to ask for more info.
⚠️

Don't use -ing for definitions

Never say 'This word is meaning...'. Stative verbs like 'mean' stay in the simple present.
🎯

Pronounce 'Meant' correctly

Remember it rhymes with 'sent' and 'bent'. This is a very common marker of a high-level speaker.
💬

I mean as a filler

Native speakers say 'I mean' to give themselves time to think. Use it sparingly so you don't sound too hesitant.

Smart Tips

Use 'I didn't mean to' followed by the action. It sounds much more sincere than just saying 'Sorry'.

Sorry I broke it. → I'm sorry, I didn't mean to break it.

Don't just say 'What?'. Say 'What does [word] mean?'. It's the hallmark of a proactive learner.

What is 'clutter'? → What does 'clutter' mean?

Use 'What do you mean by that?' to pause and get a better explanation.

I don't understand. → What do you mean by that?

Use 'mean + -ing' to list the responsibilities. It sounds very professional.

In this job I have to travel. → This job means traveling at least once a month.

Pronunciation

mean /miːn/ vs meant /ment/

Mean vs Meant

The present tense 'mean' has a long /iː/ sound. The past tense 'meant' changes to a short /e/ sound.

/ˈmiːnɪŋ/

Meaning

The 'ng' at the end is a soft nasal sound, not a hard 'g'.

Clarification Question

What do you mean by ↗THAT?

Rising intonation on the last word shows genuine curiosity or surprise.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Mean what you say, and say what you mean! Use 'to' for plans and 'by' for the way.

Visual Association

Imagine a dictionary with a heart inside it. The dictionary represents the 'definition' sense, and the heart represents the 'intention' and 'importance' senses.

Rhyme

If you mean to do it, you have a plan. If you mean by it, explain if you can!

Story

A student named Mark didn't 'mean to' spill coffee on a dictionary. He asked the teacher, 'What does 'clumsy' mean?' The teacher said, 'It means you, Mark!' Mark laughed because the teacher 'meant it' as a joke.

Word Web

definitionintentionsignifymeantpurposeclarifyimportance

Challenge

Write three sentences: one about what a word in your native language means in English, one about something you meant to do today but didn't, and one about what your favorite hobby means to you.

Cultural Notes

In the UK, 'mean' is very commonly used to mean 'stingy' or 'not generous with money'.

In the US, 'mean' often refers to someone who is 'unfriendly' or 'cruel' in their behavior.

In mathematics and statistics globally, 'mean' refers to the average of a set of numbers.

Derived from the Old English 'mænan', which meant 'to tell, say, or complain'.

Conversation Starters

“

What does 'success' mean to you?

“

Have you ever said something and then had to say 'I didn't mean it'?

“

What do you mean to do after you finish your English course?

“

If you could change one thing about your city, what would it mean for the people living there?

Journal Prompts

Describe a time you meant to do something important but forgot. What happened?
Write about a word in your language that is hard to translate. What does it mean exactly?
Discuss the phrase 'The end justifies the means'. Do you agree with it?
What does 'home' mean to you? Is it a place or a feeling?

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Choose the correct form of the verb. Multiple Choice

What ___ 'ubiquitous' mean?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: does
'Word' is third-person singular, so we use 'does'.
Fill in the missing preposition.

What do you mean ___ that comment?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: by
We use 'by' to ask for clarification of a specific statement.
Correct the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I didn't meant to break your phone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I didn't mean to break your phone.
After 'didn't', we use the base form 'mean'.
Change the sentence to use 'mean'. Sentence Transformation

It was my intention to help you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I meant to help you.
Past intention uses 'meant to'.
Which sense of 'mean' is used here: 'Success means working hard'? Grammar Sorting

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Consequence/Result
When followed by -ing, it often shows what something involves or results in.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: We need to talk. B: What do you ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mean
Standard question form in the present simple.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Intention, 2-Value, 3-Definition
These are the three primary senses of the verb.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

mean / what / by / do / you / 'soon' / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What do you mean by 'soon'?
Question word + auxiliary + subject + verb + prepositional phrase.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Choose the correct form of the verb. Multiple Choice

What ___ 'ubiquitous' mean?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: does
'Word' is third-person singular, so we use 'does'.
Fill in the missing preposition.

What do you mean ___ that comment?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: by
We use 'by' to ask for clarification of a specific statement.
Correct the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

I didn't meant to break your phone.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I didn't mean to break your phone.
After 'didn't', we use the base form 'mean'.
Change the sentence to use 'mean'. Sentence Transformation

It was my intention to help you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I meant to help you.
Past intention uses 'meant to'.
Which sense of 'mean' is used here: 'Success means working hard'? Grammar Sorting

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Consequence/Result
When followed by -ing, it often shows what something involves or results in.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: We need to talk. B: What do you ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mean
Standard question form in the present simple.
Match the sentence to its meaning. Match Pairs

1. I mean to go. 2. It means a lot. 3. What does it mean?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Intention, 2-Value, 3-Definition
These are the three primary senses of the verb.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Building

mean / what / by / do / you / 'soon' / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What do you mean by 'soon'?
Question word + auxiliary + subject + verb + prepositional phrase.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Choose the correct form of 'mean' for the definition. Fill in the Blank

What does 'ubiquitous' ___?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: mean
Find and fix the mistake in the sentence. Error Correction

She mean to finish her assignment today.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She means to finish her assignment today.
Which sentence correctly uses 'mean' to express importance? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: This opportunity means everything to my career.
Type the correct English sentence. Translation

Translate into English: 'Lo siento, no quise ofenderte.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you."]
Put the words in order to form a logical sentence. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Your support means a lot to me
Match the usage of 'mean' with its correct meaning. Match Pairs

Match the phrases with their primary meaning:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Complete the sentence with the correct past form of 'mean'. Fill in the Blank

They ___ to meet us at the cafe, but got stuck in traffic.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: meant
Identify and correct the mistake in the given sentence. Error Correction

Having a pet dog means to walk it every day.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Having a pet dog means walking it every day.
Which sentence correctly expresses a consequence or result using 'mean'? Multiple Choice

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Learning a new language means lots of practice.
Translate the sentence into natural English. Translation

Translate into English: 'Ella no quiso ser grosera.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["She didn't mean to be rude."]
Unscramble the words to form a question about meaning. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a question:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: What do you mean by that?
Match the verb forms of 'mean'. Match Pairs

Match the tense with the correct form of 'mean':

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

No, 'mean' can be an adjective (meaning cruel or stingy) or a noun (meaning the average in math). However, at B1, you mostly use it as a verb.

Yes, that is perfectly correct. It uses the noun `meaning` instead of the verb `mean`. It is slightly more formal.

We use `mean to` for our own intentions. We use `mean for` when we intend something for someone else, e.g., 'I meant for you to have this.'

It is an irregular verb. Many English verbs change their vowel sound in the past tense (like 'keep/kept' or 'sleep/slept').

Not necessarily. It's a natural filler, but if you say it every three words, it can be distracting. Use it to clarify your thoughts.

Yes, especially in the phrase `be meant to`. For example, 'You are meant to be here at 8:00' (meaning you are supposed to be here).

Usually, yes. You mean *something* or you mean *to do something*. The only exception is the idiomatic 'I mean it!'

It is an idiom meaning a very difficult and impressive achievement.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish moderate

significar / querer decir

English uses one verb ('mean') where Spanish often switches between two.

French moderate

signifier / vouloir dire

French 'vouloir dire' literally translates to 'to want to say'.

German high

bedeuten / meinen

German strictly separates 'bedeuten' (objects) from 'meinen' (people).

Japanese low

意味する (imi suru) / つもり (tsumori)

Japanese uses completely different words for definition vs. intention.

Arabic high

يعني (ya'ni)

Arabic 'ya'ni' is used even more frequently as a discourse marker than English 'I mean'.

Chinese low

意思是 (yìsi shì) / 打算 (dǎsuàn)

Chinese requires a noun ('meaning') to express what a word 'means'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Dressing Up: Formal Clothes & Costumes (Dress up)
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Depending on People and Things (Rely on)

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Related Grammar Rules

C1

The Phrasal Verb 'Face up to' (Accepting Reality)

Overview The phrasal verb `face up to` represents a critical concept for C1 English learners, denoting the often challen...
A1

Time Prepositions: in, on, at

Overview "In", "on", and "at" are very important words. They help you talk about time. They tell people when things happ...
B1

Phrasal Verb: Take off (Removing & Departing)

Overview Phrasal verbs are a fundamental aspect of natural English, and `take off` stands out as particularly versatile...
B1

Wait a second! Using 'Hold on'

Overview `Hold on` is a highly versatile phrasal verb in English, primarily used to request a pause or to maintain a con...
B1

Dressing Up: Formal Clothes & Costumes (Dress up)

Overview `Dress up` is a versatile phrasal verb in English, crucial for describing the act of wearing special attire. It...
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