Introduction
When we encounter a phrase or sentence that we don't understand, we often ask, "What does this mean?" This is a common question that we ask when we are trying to learn a new language or when we are reading something that is unfamiliar to us. In this article, we will explore how to ask this question in English and how to understand the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.
Asking "What does this mean?"
When we want to ask what something means in English, we can use the following phrases:
- "What does this mean?"
- "What is the meaning of this?"
- "Can you explain this to me?"
These phrases are polite and appropriate in most situations. They show that we are interested in understanding and learning, and they invite the other person to share their knowledge with us.
Understanding the Meaning
Once we have asked the question, "What does this mean?", we need to have some strategies for understanding the answer. Here are some tips:
- Look for context clues. Often, the meaning of a word or phrase can be inferred from the surrounding words or sentences.
- Use a dictionary. If you have access to a dictionary, look up the word or phrase and read the definition.
- Ask for examples. Sometimes, it can be helpful to have an example or two to understand the meaning of a word or phrase.
- Ask follow-up questions. If you don't understand the explanation, don't be afraid to ask for more information or clarification.
Practice Makes Perfect
Asking "What does this mean?" and understanding the answer is a skill that takes practice. Here are some ways to practice:
- Read articles or books in English and make a list of unfamiliar words or phrases. Look up the meanings and try to use them in your own sentences.
- Watch English-language movies or TV shows with subtitles. Pay attention to the words and phrases that you don't understand and try to figure out their meanings from the context.
- Find a language exchange partner or tutor who can help you practice asking and answering questions about the meanings of words and phrases.
Conclusion
Asking "What does this mean?" is an important part of learning a new language and expanding our knowledge. By using polite and appropriate language, looking for context clues, using a dictionary, asking for examples, and practicing regularly, we can improve our understanding and become more confident in our language skills.