When it comes to expressing the phrase “do you mean” in Japanese, there are various ways to do so depending on the level of formality required. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through both formal and informal ways to convey this phrase effectively, providing you with numerous tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways:
When speaking in formal situations, it is essential to use appropriate language and honorifics. Here are a few ways to say “do you mean” in a formal manner:
1. もしかして (moshikashite)
One of the most common phrases used to express “do you mean” in formal settings is もしかして (moshikashite). This phrase can be directly translated as “perhaps” or “by any chance,” and it helps clarify or confirm someone’s intended meaning. Here’s an example:
彼女のことはどうですか？もしかして、学校で会いましたか？
(Kanojo no koto wa dou desu ka? Moshikashite, gakkou de aimashita ka?)
How about her? Do you mean you met her at school, by any chance?
2. つまり (tsumari)
Another formal way to convey “do you mean” is by using つまり (tsumari), which translates to “in other words” or “that is to say.” This phrase is particularly useful when summarizing or restating someone’s statement to confirm your understanding. For instance:
旅行会社の手配をすべきです。つまり、チケット予約とホテルの手配をしてほしいということですね。
(Ryokou gaisha no tehai o subeki desu. Tsumari, chiketto yoyaku to hoteru no tehai o shite hoshii to iu koto desu ne.)
You should handle the travel arrangements. Do you mean you want me to make both ticket reservations and hotel bookings, in other words?
3. おっしゃる意味は (ossharu imi wa)
In more formal situations where you need to be exceptionally polite, using the phrase おっしゃる意味は (ossharu imi wa) can be appropriate. This phrase means “the intended meaning of what you’re saying” and shows respect towards the person. Here’s an example:
この報告書が必要ですか？おっしゃる意味は、管理者に進捗状況を報告しなければならないということでしょうか？
(Kono houkokusho ga hitsuyou desu ka? Ossharu imi wa, kanrisha ni shinchoku joutai o houkoku shinakereba naranai to iu koto deshou ka?)
Do you need this report? Do you mean that I should report the progress to the manager?
Informal Ways:
When engaging in casual or friendly conversations, you can use more relaxed language to convey “do you mean.” Here are a few informal ways to express this phrase:
1. もしかして (moshikashite)
Similar to the formal usage, もしかして (moshikashite) can also be used in informal settings to ask for confirmation or clarification. For example:
あの映画、今度見に行かない？もしかして、あなたが好きな映画？
(Ano eiga, kondo mi ni ikanai? Moshikashite, anata ga suki na eiga?)
How about going to see that movie next time? Do you mean it’s a movie you like?
2. 言ってることは (itteru koto wa)
A more colloquial way to express “do you mean” in informal conversations is using the phrase 言ってることは (itteru koto wa), which can be translated as “are you saying.” This form is often used amongst friends or peers. An example sentence would be:
このアプリ、操作が難しいんだけど。言ってることは、ログインしてから写真をアップロードするってこと？
(Kono appu, sousa ga muzukashii n da kedo. Itteru koto wa, roguin shite kara shashin o appuroido suru tte koto?)
This app is hard to navigate. Are you saying that I should log in first before uploading photos?
3. ってことは (tte koto wa)
Furthermore, the phrase ってことは (tte koto wa) can be used in informal conversations to mean “so, does that mean” or “are you saying.” It is commonly seen in casual interactions among friends or acquaintances. Here’s an example:
明日の予定は何？ってことは、遊びに行くのがいいと思うんだけどね。
(Ashita no yotei wa nan? Tte koto wa, asobi ni iku no ga ii to omou n da kedo ne.)
What are the plans for tomorrow? So, does that mean you think it’s a good idea to go out and have fun?
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to expressing “do you mean” in Japanese, the appropriate phrasing may vary depending on the formality of the situation. In formal contexts, phrases like もしかして (moshikashite), つまり (tsumari), and おっしゃる意味は (ossharu imi wa) can help you confirm or clarify someone’s intended meaning. On the other hand, in informal conversations, you can use phrases like もしかして (moshikashite), 言ってることは (itteru koto wa), and ってことは (tte koto wa) to seek confirmation or better understand the speaker’s intent.
Remember to consider the level of formality and the relationship between the parties involved when selecting the appropriate phrase to use. By doing so, you’ll be able to navigate conversations smoothly and ensure effective communication in Japanese.
