What Do You Mean?
Have you ever been in a situation where someone says something to you and you just don't understand what they mean? It can be frustrating and confusing, especially if the conversation is important. Here are two ways to ask someone "What do you mean?" in English:
1. What do you mean?
This is the most straightforward way to ask someone to clarify what they are saying. You can use this phrase in any situation, whether it's a casual conversation with friends or a more formal discussion with a colleague. For example:
Friend: "I don't think we should go to that restaurant, it's a bit sketchy."
You: "What do you mean by 'sketchy'? Have you had a bad experience there before?"
Colleague: "We need to streamline our processes to increase efficiency."
You: "I'm not sure I understand. Can you explain what you mean by 'streamline'?"
2. I don't follow.
This phrase is a bit more informal and can be used when you are having trouble understanding someone's point of view or argument. It's a way to politely let the person know that you need more information or clarification. For example:
Friend: "I think pineapple on pizza is the best."
You: "I don't follow. How can you like something so controversial?"
Colleague: "We need to increase our sales numbers by 10% this quarter."
You: "I'm not sure I follow. How do you propose we do that?"
Conclusion
Asking someone "What do you mean?" is an important communication skill that can help you avoid misunderstandings and confusion. Whether you use the straightforward approach or the more informal "I don't follow," it's important to be clear and polite when seeking clarification. Remember, it's always better to ask for more information than to make assumptions based on incomplete or unclear communication.