Meaning
Clarifying one's statement or intention.
Cultural Background
In North India, this phrase is used extensively in both Hindi and Urdu-influenced speech. It is a staple of polite conversation. In corporate settings, this phrase is used to avoid ambiguity in instructions, which is highly valued in Indian work culture.
Use it to pause
Use this phrase when you need a second to think about how to phrase your next sentence.
Don't over-explain
If you use this too much, it sounds like you are unsure of yourself.
Meaning
Clarifying one's statement or intention.
Use it to pause
Use this phrase when you need a second to think about how to phrase your next sentence.
Don't over-explain
If you use this too much, it sounds like you are unsure of yourself.
Polite correction
It is the perfect way to correct someone without sounding rude.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
वह नहीं आएगा। ____ मेरा मतलब है कि वह देर से आएगा।
The phrase 'मेरा मतलब है कि' is needed to clarify the previous statement.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct usage.
This follows the correct subject-verb-conjunction order.
Match the phrase with its function.
Match 'मेरा मतलब है कि' with its purpose.
It is used to clarify or refine a statement.
Complete the dialogue.
A: यह बहुत कठिन है। B: ____ मेरा मतलब है कि हमें और अभ्यास की जरूरत है।
The phrase fits perfectly to add detail to the agreement.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesवह नहीं आएगा। ____ मेरा मतलब है कि वह देर से आएगा।
The phrase 'मेरा मतलब है कि' is needed to clarify the previous statement.
Choose the correct usage.
This follows the correct subject-verb-conjunction order.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It is used to clarify or refine a statement.
A: यह बहुत कठिन है। B: ____ मेरा मतलब है कि हमें और अभ्यास की जरूरत है।
The phrase fits perfectly to add detail to the agreement.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional emails to clarify a point.
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal settings.
Yes, it is very common to start a sentence with it to clarify the previous one.
Yes, you can just say 'मतलब...' in casual conversation.
No, the phrase is gender-neutral.
Yes, it is standard Hindi and widely understood.
It is grammatically incomplete. Always include 'है'.
You would say 'मेरा मतलब था कि...'.
Related Phrases
यानी
synonymthat is to say
मेरा कहने का मतलब है
similarwhat I mean to say is
दूसरे शब्दों में
similarin other words