In 15 Seconds
- Used to define words or clarify your intended point.
- Acts like a verbal equals sign between concepts.
- Essential for navigating indirect communication in Chinese culture.
Meaning
This is your go-to phrase for clarifying things. It basically means 'The meaning is...' or 'What I mean is...', used to explain a concept or clear up a misunderstanding.
Key Examples
3 of 6Asking about a menu item
这个菜名是什么意思？
What does this dish name mean?
Clarifying your own point
我的意思是，我们明天再见面。
What I mean is, we should meet again tomorrow.
Confirming a boss's instruction
您的意思是，这个报告不急？
Do you mean that this report isn't urgent?
Cultural Background
Used frequently in business to avoid confrontation.
Use it to pause
Use it when you need a second to think.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to define words or clarify your intended point.
- Acts like a verbal equals sign between concepts.
- Essential for navigating indirect communication in Chinese culture.
What It Means
意思是 is the ultimate bridge in Chinese conversation. It connects a confusing word or situation to a clear explanation. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of an equals sign. You use it when you want to define something. You also use it when you realize someone didn't quite catch your drift. It is simple, direct, and incredibly useful.
How To Use It
Using this is like building a LEGO set. Put the thing you want to explain first. Then drop in 意思是. Finally, add the explanation. For example: A 意思是 B. You can also use it at the start of a sentence to clarify your previous point. If your friend looks confused after you speak, just say 我的意思是... (My meaning is...). It smoothens out the bumps in any conversation.
When To Use It
You will use this everywhere. At a restaurant, you might ask what a dish name means. In a business meeting, you use it to define a project goal. When texting, it helps explain a slang word your friend used. It’s perfect for those 'Wait, what?' moments. It shows you are trying to be clear and helpful.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are 100% sure the other person understands. Over-explaining can feel a bit condescending. Avoid using it to translate every single word in a sentence. That makes you sound like a dictionary, not a friend. Also, don't use it to express your 'opinion' on deep life matters. For that, use 我觉得 (I feel) instead. Keep 意思是 for definitions and clarifications.
Cultural Background
Chinese culture values 'reading between the lines' or 听弦外之音. Because people sometimes speak indirectly, 意思是 is the tool we use to 'decode' the hidden message. It’s the polite way to ask, 'Are you actually saying no?' without being too blunt. It’s a social safety net that keeps everyone on the same page.
Common Variations
You’ll often hear 你的意思是... (Your meaning is...) when someone wants to confirm they understood you. Another common one is 什么意思? (What meaning?), which is the standard way to ask 'What do you mean?'. If you want to be extra clear, you can say 简单来说，意思是... (To put it simply, the meaning is...).
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social situation. It is neutral in formality, making it safe for both friends and colleagues. Just watch your tone when asking 'What do you mean?' to avoid sounding confrontational.
Use it to pause
Use it when you need a second to think.
Examples
6这个菜名是什么意思？
What does this dish name mean?
A very common way to ask for a definition.
我的意思是，我们明天再见面。
What I mean is, we should meet again tomorrow.
Used to fix a potential misunderstanding.
您的意思是，这个报告不急？
Do you mean that this report isn't urgent?
Polite way to double-check expectations.
‘YYDS’是什么意思？
What does 'YYDS' mean?
Great for learning internet slang.
他的意思是你不胖，只是‘圆润’。
He means you aren't fat, just 'mellow and full'.
Using a euphemism to be funny or polite.
我的意思是我真的很在乎你。
What I mean is that I really care about you.
Used to express deeper feelings clearly.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank.
这很复杂，______我们需要时间。
It clarifies the previous statement.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercises这很复杂，______我们需要时间。
It clarifies the previous statement.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it is perfectly acceptable.
Related Phrases
就是说
synonymThat is to say
