Not know what to make of Meaning in English

expression

US

NAHT NOH wuht tuh MAYK uhv

UK

NOT noh WOT too MAYK ov

Definition

This expression means you are unsure how to react, feel, or interpret something or someone because it is confusing, unusual, or unexpected.

Usage & Nuances

This is an informal, conversational phrase, often used when something surprises, puzzles, or confuses you. Common with 'I' as the subject: 'I don't know what to make of it/him/her.' It suggests uncertainty, not judgment.

• Spanish: no saber qué pensar de - no saber cómo interpretar
• Portuguese (BR): não saber o que pensar de - não saber como interpretar
• Portuguese (PT): não saber o que pensar de - não saber como interpretar
• Chinese (Simplified): 不知道如何看待 - 不知道怎么理解
• Chinese (Traditional): 不知道如何看待 - 不知道怎麼理解
• Hindi: समझ नहीं आना कि क्या सोचना है
• Arabic: لا أعرف كيف أفسر - لا أعرف ماذا أعتقد عن
• Bengali: ব্যাখ্যা করতে পারা না - বুঝতে না পারা
• Russian: не знать, что думать - не понять, как расценивать
• Japanese: どう受け止めていいかわからない - 判断がつかない
• Vietnamese: không biết nên nghĩ sao - không biết phải hiểu thế nào
• Korean: 어떻게 받아들여야 할지 모르다 - 어떻게 생각해야 할지 모르다
• Turkish: ne düşüneceğimi bilememek - anlam verememek
• Urdu: سمجھ نہیں آنا کہ کیا سوچوں
• Indonesian: tidak tahu harus berpikir apa - bingung harus menanggapi bagaimana

Example Sentences

I don't know what to make of her strange behavior.

basic

When I read the news, I didn't know what to make of it.

basic

He smiled, but I didn't know what to make of it.

basic

I don't know what to make of his excuse—do you believe him?

natural

After that meeting, I really don't know what to make of the new manager.

natural

Honestly, I don't know what to make of their sudden decision to leave.

natural