Mean Meaning in English
word
/ˈmin/
MEEN
/mˈiːn/
MEEN
Definition
To express or represent something; also used to describe what someone intends or intends to say. It can mean having a certain significance or being unkind or cruel when referring to a person's behavior.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used verb with multiple meanings: 'mean to do something' (intend), 'mean something' (have significance), 'be mean' (unkind). Formal and informal contexts. Not to confuse with 'meaning' (noun) or 'means' (methods). Often used in spoken questions: 'What do you mean?'.
Spanish: significar - quiso decir - malo (persona)Portuguese (BR): significar - querer dizer - mau (pessoa)Portuguese (PT): significar - querer dizer - mau (pessoa)Chinese (Simplified): 意思是 - 意味着 - 刻薄 (人)Chinese (Traditional): 意思是 - 意味著 - 刻薄 (人)Hindi: मतलब होना - मतलब कहना - खराब (व्यक्ति)Arabic: يعني - قصد - سيء (شخص)Bengali: মানে - বোঝানো - ইচ্ছা করা - নিষ্ঠুর (ব্যক্তি)Russian: значить - иметь в виду - намереваться - злой (о человеке)Japanese: 意味する - つもりである - 意地悪な（人）Vietnamese: có nghĩa là - ý định - độc ác (về người)Korean: 의미하다 - 의도하다 - 못된 (사람)Turkish: anlamına gelmek - demek istemek - kasıtlamak - kaba (kişi)Urdu: مراد ہونا - مطلب ہونا - ارادہ کرنا - ظالم (شخص)Indonesian: berarti - bermaksud - kejam (tentang orang)
Example Sentences
She didn't mean it, she was just upset.
natural
I didn't mean to hurt you.
basic
He is very mean to his little brother.
basic
What do you mean by that?
natural
Don't be so mean, share your candy!
natural
What does this word mean?
basic