I don't mean maybe Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈaɪ/ /ˈdoʊn/, /ˈdoʊnt/ /ˈmin/ /ˈmeɪbi

EYE DOHNT MEEN MAY-bee

UK

ˈaɪ/ /dəʊnt/ /mˈiːn/ /mˈeɪbiː

EYE Dohnt MEEN MAY-bee

Definition

This expression is used to emphasize that you are being completely serious and you are not joking or uncertain.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal, emphatic phrase, often said after giving an instruction or threat to show you are very serious ('Don't be late, and I don't mean maybe!'). Used mostly in speech, and rarely in formal writing. Similar to 'I'm not kidding'.

• Spanish: hablo en serio - no estoy bromeando
• Portuguese (BR): estou falando sério - não estou brincando
• Portuguese (PT): estou a falar a sério - não estou a brincar
• Chinese (Simplified): 我是认真的 - 我不是在开玩笑
• Chinese (Traditional): 我是認真的 - 我不是在開玩笑
• Hindi: मैं बिल्कुल गंभीर हूँ - मैं मज़ाक नहीं कर रहा हूँ
• Arabic: أنا جاد - لست أمزح
• Bengali: আমি একদম সিরিয়াস - মজা করছি না
• Russian: я совсем не шучу - я говорю серьёзно
• Japanese: 本気だよ - 冗談じゃないよ
• Vietnamese: tôi nói nghiêm túc đấy - tôi không đùa đâu
• Korean: 진심이야 - 농담 아니야
• Turkish: şaka yapmıyorum - çok ciddiyim
• Urdu: میں بالکل سنجیدہ ہوں - میں مذاق نہیں کر رہا
• Indonesian: aku benar-benar serius - aku tidak bercanda

Example Sentences

If you don't finish your homework, you'll be in trouble, and I don't mean maybe.

basic

Stay away from my desk, and I don't mean maybe.

basic

Turn off your phone now, and I don't mean maybe.

basic

Listen, you need to be there on time—I don't mean maybe!

natural

Don't test me, because I don't mean maybe this time.

natural

You better clean up that mess, and I don't mean maybe—got it?

natural