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What do you mean

🇬🇧 UK //wɒt duː jʊ miːn// 🇺🇸 US //wɑt du jʊ min//

Meaning of What do you mean

A question asking for clarification or explanation.

In simple words: What do you want to say?

What do you mean in a sentence

• I didn't catch that last part, what do you mean?
• When she said she's busy, what do you mean?
• Please tell me what do you mean when you say that.

How to use What do you mean

Use when you need clarification about someone's statement. Avoid in very formal contexts; use it with friends or in conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone question

Memory hint

Think of 'What do you mean? It's not clear to me!'

Related words

Collocations with What do you mean

• what do you mean by
• ask what do you mean
• explain what do you mean

Synonyms for What do you mean

• what are you saying
• can you clarify
• what's that mean
• explain please

Opposites of What do you mean

• I don't understand
• What do you not mean
• What are you unclear about

Common mistakes with What do you mean

• Using it after every sentence, which can sound confusing.
• Incorrectly assuming it can replace 'what does this mean?'
• Not using it when genuinely confused.

Frequently asked questions about What do you mean

What does What do you mean mean?

What do you want to say?

What is the definition of What do you mean?

A question asking for clarification or explanation.

How do you use What do you mean in a sentence?

I didn't catch that last part, what do you mean?

Can you give another example of What do you mean?

When she said she's busy, what do you mean?

What are synonyms for What do you mean?

Common alternatives include what are you saying, can you clarify, what's that mean, explain please.

What is the opposite of What do you mean?

Opposite meanings include I don't understand, What do you not mean, What are you unclear about.

What words go with What do you mean?

It commonly pairs with what do you mean by, ask what do you mean, explain what do you mean.

What are common mistakes when using What do you mean?

Using it after every sentence, which can sound confusing. Incorrectly assuming it can replace 'what does this mean?' Not using it when genuinely confused.

How do you pronounce What do you mean?

US: //wɑt du jʊ min//, UK: //wɒt duː jʊ miːn//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use What do you mean?

Use when you need clarification about someone's statement. Avoid in very formal contexts; use it with friends or in conversations.