что ты имеешь в виду?
chto ty imeyesh' v vidu?
The English phrase "what do you mean?" is translated into Russian as что ты имеешь в виду? (chto ty imeyesh' v vidu?)
This phrase is used to ask someone to clarify the meaning or the intention behind their words.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, что ты имеешь в виду? translates to "what do you have in view?"
Which one should you use?
Note that что ты имеешь в виду? asks for clarification of meaning, whereas что ты сказал? is used when you are asking for a repetition of the words spoken (meaning "what did you say?").
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a stranger, a superior or a group of people politely, use the form что вы имеете в виду?
How do you pronounce it?
chto ty imeyesh' v vidu?
Did you know?
- If you use the singular ты version with a stranger, it can come across as surprisingly blunt or even confrontational rather than just informal.
- In very informal settings, Russians often replace the phrase with в смысле?, which literally means 'in what sense?'
- The phrase что ты имеешь в виду? uses the word вид, which means 'sight' or 'appearance', to express the idea of 'meaning'.
Examples in context
- Вам следует обсудить это с руководством. Что вы имели в виду?You should discuss this with the management. What do you mean?
- Я не понимаю. Что ты имеешь в виду?Ya ne ponimayu. Chto ty imeyesh' v vidu?I don't understand. What do you mean?
