という意味ですか
to iu imi desu ka
The English phrase "do you mean" can be expressed in Japanese as という意味ですか (to iu imi desu ka).
This phrase is used to confirm the definition or intent of a specific word or statement, checking if your understanding of what someone else said is correct.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of と (a particle), いう (to say or called), 意味 (meaning) and ですか (is it?). Literally, it translates to "does it have the meaning of…?"
Which one should you use?
While という意味ですか is standard, you can use という意味でしょうか to make the question more indirect and polite.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings, you can use おっしゃる意味は to refer to the intended meaning of what someone is saying. For more polite interactions, replacing ですか with でしょうか in the standard phrase makes it sound more indirect. In informal settings, you might use もしかして to ask for clarification or ってことは to mean "so, does that mean" or "are you saying."
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase, place the concept or sentence you are clarifying before と.
How do you pronounce it?
to iu imi desu ka
Did you know?
- While という意味ですか asks for clarification, Japanese culture emphasizes 空気を読む or 'reading the air'. Relying too heavily on this phrase can signal to a native speaker that you are struggling to perceive the unspoken social context.
- If you are questioning someone's actual intentions rather than a word's definition, you might use 何が言いたいんですか which translates to 'What is it that you want to say?' While it literally asks for the meaning, it can sound quite confrontational or aggressive in a real conversation.
- Using 意味 in the phrase 意味がわからない can express frustration with a person's behavior rather than a lack of vocabulary. It is often used to say 'I cannot believe you are doing this' or 'this makes no sense'.
Examples in context
- 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？Do you need this report? Do you mean that I should report the progress to the manager?
- 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？This app is hard to navigate. Are you saying that I should log in first before uploading photos?
- これがお勧めだという意味ですか。Kore ga osusume da to iu imi desu ka.Do you mean this is your recommendation?
- もう一度やり直すという意味ですか。Mou ichido yarinaosu to iu imi desu ka.Do you mean to do it over again?
Example conversation
Misaki is confirming the meaning of Kenta's suggestion in a cafe.
- 美咲 Misakiもっと静かな店が良いという意味ですか。Motto shizuka na mise ga yoi to iu imi desu ka.Do you mean a quieter shop would be better?
- 健太 Kentaはい、そこではゆっくり話せますから。Hai, soko de wa yukkuri hanasemasu kara.Yes, because we can talk slowly there.
- 美咲 Misaki分かりました、健太さんの言う通りにしましょう。Wakarimashita, Kenta-san no iu toori ni shimashou.I understand, let's do as you say, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaありがとうございます、美咲さん。Arigatou gozaimasu, Misaki-san.Thank you, Misaki.
