Translation guide
How to clarify or correct a misunderstanding in Japanese, equivalent to "I don't mean that..." or "That's not what I meant."
The speaker wants to clarify that their previous statement was misinterpreted, or that a certain interpretation is not what they intended.
The most common and natural way to say 'I don't mean that' or 'That's not what I meant.' Used in casual conversation.
そういう意味じゃないよ。
I don't mean it that way.
No, I don't mean that...
Similar to そういう意味じゃない, but uses こと (thing/matter) instead of 意味 (meaning). Slightly more vague, often used when the misunderstanding is about the situation rather than the literal meaning.
そういうことじゃないんだ。
That's not what I meant.
Polite version of そういう意味じゃない. Use in formal situations or with superiors.
申し訳ありません、そういう意味ではありません。
I'm sorry, I don't mean that.
Emphasizes that the speaker had no such intention. つもり means 'intention' or 'plan'. Use when someone thinks you intended something negative.
傷つけるつもりじゃなかった。そういうつもりじゃない。
I didn't mean to hurt you. I don't mean that.
The speaker wants to clarify that a particular word they used should not be taken literally or in a certain sense.
Pattern to say 'I don't mean ~'. Insert the word or phrase that was misunderstood before という.
「嫌い」という意味じゃないよ。
I don't mean 'hate'.
文字通りの意味じゃない。
I don't mean it literally.
Casual version of 〜という意味じゃない. って is a colloquial quotation particle.
ダメって意味じゃないよ。
I don't mean it's no good.
The speaker preemptively clarifies that what they are about to say should not be taken in a certain way.
Literally 'I want you not to misunderstand, but...' Used as a preface to clarify intent. Casual but can be softened with んだけど.
誤解しないでほしいんだけど、別に怒ってるわけじゃない。
Don't get me wrong, I'm not angry or anything.
Polite request: 'Please don't misunderstand.' Use before clarifying.
誤解しないでください。私はただ事実を言っただけです。
Please don't misunderstand. I just stated the facts.
Avoid directly translating 'I don't mean that' as 「私はそれを意味しない」. This sounds unnatural and overly literal in Japanese. Use the phrases above instead.
私はそれを意味しない
I don't mean that (unnatural)