どういう意味？
dō iu imi?
In Japanese, "what does it mean?" is said as どういう意味？ (dō iu imi?)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of dō iu (what kind of) and imi (meaning).
Which one should you use?
どういうことですか？ is a formal expression used when seeking clarification or further explanation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form どういう意味？ is casual and should be used with friends or family. For a polite version suitable for use with strangers or superiors, add ですか to the end to make どういう意味ですか？ For casual expression used in everyday conversations among friends, you can also use 何って意味？
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want to ask "what did it mean again?" to request a reminder of something that was previously explained, you can use the past tense form どういう意味でしたっけ？
How do you pronounce it?
dō iu imi?
Did you know?
- If you use どういう意味？ with a superior, it might sound like you are questioning their logic or accusing them of being nonsensical rather than just asking for a definition.
- The character 意 in 意味 is also used in 意識 (ishiki), which means 'consciousness', linking the concept of meaning to the act of being aware.
- If someone says 意味ない (imi nai), they aren't asking for a definition but are stating that an action is 'pointless' or 'useless'.
Examples in context
- この言葉の意味は何ですか？What is the meaning of this word?
- それは「友達」を意味します。It means "friend".
- この言葉ってどういう意味？What does this word mean?
- それは「愛」を意味するんだよ。It means "love".
- 今の、どういう意味？Ima no, dou iu imi?What did you mean by that just now?
Example conversation
Ren and Himari are studying a Japanese textbook together.
- 蓮 Renこの漢字、どういう意味？Kono kanji, dou iu imi?What does this kanji mean?
- 陽葵 Himari「幸せ」だよ、蓮君。Shiawase dayo, Ren-kun.It means 'happiness', Ren.
- 蓮 Renへえ、素敵な意味だね。Hee, suteki na imi dane.Oh, that's a lovely meaning.
- 陽葵 Himariそう思うよ。Sou omou yo.I think so too.
