という意味でした
to iu imi deshita
In Japanese, "I meant" is expressed as という意味でした (to iu imi deshita).
This phrase is typically used after a listener has misunderstood a word or a concept to explain the intended definition or nuance. It allows you to clarify or correct a previous statement by explaining what you actually intended to say.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of to iu (that says/called), imi (meaning) and deshita (was). Literally, it translates to "it was the meaning of saying [that]"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form という意味でした is a polite way to clarify one's intention, making it suitable for most social and professional situations. For a casual, colloquial version used with friends or family, you can use っていう意味だった.
How do you pronounce it?
to iu imi deshita
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, listeners often avoid asking for clarification to prevent the speaker from feeling embarrassed. You might find yourself using という意味でした even if the other person does not ask, just to smoothly correct a perceived misunderstanding.
- In many Japanese contexts, instead of saying 'I meant', people use the verb つもり (tsumori) to express an intention that failed to materialize or was misunderstood. This shifts the focus from the definition of the word to the state of the speaker's mind.
- The word 意味 (imi), meaning 'meaning', is also used in the Japanese term for 'purpose' or 'significance' in life. Therefore, explaining your 'imi' can sometimes sound deeper than a simple lexical clarification if the tone is too serious.
Example conversation
Yui and Yota are discussing a meeting time.
- 結衣 Yui来週で大丈夫ですか？Raishuu de daijoubu desu ka?Is next week okay?
- 陽太 Yota来週は忙しいです。Raishuu wa isogashii desu.I'm busy next week.
- 結衣 Yuiすみません。再来週という意味でした。Sumimasen. Saraishuu to iu imi deshita.Sorry. I meant the week after next.
- 陽太 Yotaあ、それなら大丈夫です。A, sore nara daijoubu desu.Oh, in that case, it's fine.
