я имею в виду
ya imeyu v vidu
'i mean' in Russian is translated as я имею в виду (ya imeyu v vidu).
The phrase я имею в виду is used to clarify, refine or correct a previous statement. It functions similarly to the English filler 'I mean'.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase means 'I have in view'. It is composed of я (I), имею (have) and the prepositional phrase в виду (in view).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use this phrase to introduce a full clause of clarification, it is typically followed by the conjunction что (that), forming the structure я имею в виду, что… (I mean that…).
How do you pronounce it?
ya imeyu v vidu
Did you know?
- In casual spoken Russian, the phrase я имею в виду is often shortened or replaced by the filler word в смысле, which literally means 'in the meaning'.
- The phrase иметь в виду can shift from a clarification of a statement to a warning, meaning 'to keep in mind' or 'to take note of'.
- The word я (I) shares a deep linguistic ancestor with the Latin 'ego'. They both stem from the same Proto-Indo-European root used to denote the self.
Examples in context
- Я имею в виду, что нам необходимо уделить больше внимания этой проблеме.I mean that we need to pay more attention to this issue.
- Я имею в виду, что это слишком дорого.Ya imeyu v vidu, chto eto slishkom dorogo.I mean that it is too expensive.
- Я имею в виду не тебя, а твою сестру.Ya imeyu v vidu ne tebya, a tvoyu sestru.I don't mean you, but your sister.
Example conversation
Andrey and Maria are discussing plans for the weekend.
- Андрей AndreyМы можем поехать в лес в субботу.My mozhem poyekhat' v les v subbotu.We can go to the forest on Saturday.
- Мария MariaТы имеешь в виду поход с палатками?Ty imeyesh' v vidu pokhod s palatkami?Do you mean a camping trip with tents?
- Андрей AndreyДа, я имею в виду именно это.Da, ya imeyu v vidu imenno eto.Yes, I mean exactly that.
- Мария MariaХорошо, это отличная идея, Андрей.Khorosho, eto otlichnaya ideya, Andrey.Okay, that is a great idea, Andrey.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries в, я, CC BY-SA 4.0.
