mean
Significado: To signify or indicate; unkind; an average
'Mean' as a verb signifies what something represents ('What does this word mean?') or intentions ('I didn't mean to hurt you'). As an adjective, it describes unkindness ('a mean person') or, in British English, stinginess. As a noun, it refers to the mathematical average. 'Means' (plural) refers to methods or resources.
Ejemplos
- What do you mean by that? 你这话是什么意思?¿Qué quieres decir con eso?それはどういう意味ですか?그게 무슨 뜻이에요?
- I didn't mean to upset you. 我不是故意让你不高兴的。No quise molestarte.あなたを怒らせるつもりはなかった。당신을 화나게 할 의도는 아니었어요.
- That was a really mean thing to say. 那话说得真刻薄。Eso fue algo muy malo de decir.それは本当に意地悪な言い方だった。그건 정말 심술궂은 말이었어요.
Pronunciación
Guía de uso
Contexto: general
Tono: neutral
Origen e historia
From Old English 'mǣnan', originally meaning 'to intend' or 'to signify', from Proto-Germanic *mainijaną. Cognate with German 'meinen' (to think, to mean). The adjective 'mean' (unkind) comes from a separate Old English word 'gemǣne' (common, shared).
Contexto cultural
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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