What does this sentence mean and how to say it in English?
Have you ever encountered a sentence that you don't understand but desperately want to know its meaning? Or have you ever wanted to express a thought in English but didn't know how to say it? In this article, we will explore the meaning of a common phrase and how to say it in English.
The meaning of the phrase
The phrase "这句话是什么意思" in Chinese means "What does this sentence mean?" This phrase is often used when someone hears or reads a sentence that they don't understand and wants to know its meaning. It's a simple and polite way to ask for clarification.
How to say it in English
To express the same idea in English, we can say "What does this sentence mean?" This is a direct translation of the Chinese phrase and is commonly used in English. Another way to ask the same question is "Can you explain the meaning of this sentence?" This is a slightly more formal way to ask for clarification, and it's often used in academic or professional settings.
Examples of usage
Let's look at some examples of how to use this phrase in English:
- During a conversation with a friend, you hear a word that you don't understand. You can ask, "What does this word mean?"
- You are reading a book in English and come across a sentence that you don't understand. You can ask, "Can you explain the meaning of this sentence?"
- You are in a business meeting and someone uses a technical term that you are not familiar with. You can ask, "I'm sorry, could you clarify the meaning of that term?"
Conclusion
Asking for clarification is an important part of communication, and knowing how to express this idea in different languages can be helpful in various situations. The phrase "这句话是什么意思" in Chinese translates to "What does this sentence mean?" in English, and it's a simple and polite way to ask for clarification. By learning how to say this phrase in English, you can effectively communicate your thoughts and understand others better.