Translation guide
The English word 'mean' has several distinct meanings: to signify or intend, to be unkind, to refer to an average, and more. This guide helps learners choose the right Japanese expression for each meaning.
Expressing what a word, symbol, or action signifies.
The most direct translation for 'to mean' in the sense of signifying. Used for words, symbols, and actions.
この単語は何を意味しますか？
What does this word mean?
A red light means 'stop'.
A common pattern to explain what something means, often used in conversation.
「ありがとう」は英語で「Thank you」という意味です。
'Arigatou' means 'Thank you' in English.
Expressing intention or purpose behind an action or statement.
Used to express intention. Often follows the plain form of a verb.
彼女を傷つけるつもりはなかった。
I didn't mean to hurt her.
明日行くつもりですか？
Do you mean to go tomorrow?
Indicates an attempt or intention to do something, often used when the action is in progress or failed.
彼は何を言おうとしているのですか？
What does he mean to say?
A more formal word for 'intend'. Used in written or formal contexts.
その発言は何を意図していますか？
What does that statement mean?
Describing a person or action that is unkind, harsh, or bullying.
The most common adjective for 'mean' in the sense of unkind or spiteful. Used for people and actions.
彼は意地悪なことを言った。
He said something mean.
そんな意地悪な態度はやめて。
Stop being so mean.
Means 'terrible' or 'awful', often used to describe mean behavior. Can also mean 'severe'.
Means 'cold-hearted' or 'cruel'. Stronger than 意地悪な, used for serious cruelty.
彼は冷酷な人間だ。
He is a mean person.
Referring to the average value in a set of numbers.
The standard noun for 'average' or 'mean'. Used in mathematics and everyday contexts.
これらの数字の平均を計算してください。
Please calculate the mean of these numbers.
Specifically 'mean value', used in technical or statistical contexts.
Describing someone who is unwilling to spend money or share.
The most common word for 'stingy' or 'cheap'. Often used in casual conversation.
彼はけちだから、絶対におごらない。
He's so mean he never treats anyone.
A more emphatic and slightly derogatory term for stingy.
そんなしみったれたこと言わないで。
Don't be so mean with your money.
Informal way to say something is very good or skillful.
A versatile word meaning 'amazing' or 'great'. Can be used to express that someone is skilled.
彼はギターがすごい。
He plays a mean guitar.
Means 'skillful' or 'good at'. Often used for performances or abilities.
English 'mean' covers both 'unkind' and 'intend', but Japanese uses completely different words. 意地悪 (ijiwaru) is for unkindness, while つもり (tsumori) is for intention. Mixing them up will cause confusion.
That's a mean way to say it.
平均値を求めなさい。
Find the mean value.
She sings a mean song.