What Do You Mean?
As an English learner, you may have come across the phrase "What do you mean?" quite often. It is a common expression used to ask for clarification or explanation when you don't understand something. Let's explore the different ways in which this phrase can be used.
1. Seeking Clarification
When someone says something that you don't understand or find confusing, you can use "What do you mean?" to ask for clarification. For example, if your friend says, "I'm going to hit the books tonight," and you're not sure what they mean, you can ask, "What do you mean by 'hit the books'?" This way, your friend can explain that they plan to study or do homework.
2. Disbelief or Surprise
"What do you mean?" can also be used to express disbelief or surprise. For instance, if someone tells you that they won the lottery, you might respond by saying, "What do you mean? You won the lottery?" This shows that you are surprised or having a hard time believing what they are saying.
3. Seeking Agreement
Another way to use "What do you mean?" is to seek agreement or confirmation. For example, if your boss says, "We need to finish this project by Friday," you might respond with, "What do you mean by 'finish'? Do you mean complete all the tasks or just submit a draft?" This way, you can make sure you are on the same page and understand what is expected of you.
4. Expressing Confusion
Sometimes, when you are confused or don't understand something, you can use "What do you mean?" to express your confusion. For instance, if someone says something that doesn't make sense to you, you might respond with, "What do you mean? I don't understand." This way, the person can explain what they mean in simpler terms.
5. Asking for Repetition
If you didn't hear or understand what someone said, you can use "What do you mean?" to ask them to repeat themselves. For example, if someone says something to you in a noisy environment, you might respond with, "What do you mean? I couldn't hear you." This way, the person can repeat what they said, so you can understand them better.
6. Polite Way of Disagreeing
Lastly, "What do you mean?" can also be used as a polite way of disagreeing with someone. For instance, if someone makes a statement that you don't agree with, you might respond with, "What do you mean? I see things differently." This way, you can express your disagreement without being confrontational.
Conclusion
"What do you mean?" is a versatile phrase that can be used in many different situations. It is a useful tool for seeking clarification, expressing confusion, seeking agreement, and even disagreeing politely. By understanding how to use this phrase, you can improve your communication skills and avoid misunderstandings.