Meaning
« Do you mean » est une expression anglaise utilisée pour clarifier ou vérifier une information. Elle peut être traduite en français par « Voulez-vous dire » ou « Entendez-vous par là ». Cette expression est souvent utilisée dans une conversation pour s'assurer que l'on a bien compris ce que l'interlocuteur veut dire.
Par exemple, si quelqu'un dit quelque chose d'ambigu ou de peu clair, vous pourriez répondre avec « Do you mean... » suivi de votre compréhension de ce qui a été dit. Cela permet de confirmer l'information et d'éviter les malentendus.
Utiliser « Do you mean » peut également montrer que vous êtes attentif et que vous vous souciez de bien comprendre l'autre personne. C'est une façon polie et respectueuse de s'assurer que la communication est claire et efficace.
En résumé, « Do you mean » sert à clarifier des propos et à vérifier la compréhension dans une conversation, tout en maintenant un échange respectueux et attentif.
Today's Sentences
- Do you mean you’re going to be late?
- Do you mean that these gifts are for me?
- Do you mean you’re not getting married?
- Do you mean that he moved to Australia?
- Do you mean she’s about to have her baby?
- Writer's Note
01
Do you mean you’re going to be late?
Situation 1
I think I have to work overtime.
Do you mean you’re going to be late?
Yes, I’ll be home around 10.
Okay, I’ll let the guests know that you won’t be here for dinner.
Situation 2
I forgot to tell you that I have to pull an all-nighter for the paper.
Do you mean you’re going to be late?
Yes, I forgot I had a paper due tomorrow.
Okay.
Make sure you eat healthy and try to take short breaks in between!
Assurez-vous de manger sainement et essayez de prendre de courtes pauses entre-temps !
02
Do you mean that these gifts are for me?
Situation 1
Surprise!
What are all these boxes here for?
They’re gifts for you!
Do you mean that these gifts are for me?
Situation 2
Happy Birthday!
Wow!
Looks like everyone I know is here!
On dirait que tout le monde que je connais est ici !
And these are for you!
Do you mean that these gifts are for me?
03
Do you mean you’re not getting married?
Situation 1
Why are you crying?
He left me.
Do you mean you’re not getting married?
Yes, I’m not getting married anymore.
What will I tell all these guests?
Que vais-je dire à tous ces invités ?
Situation 2
Is everything ok?
You were crying so much on the phone.
Vous pleuriez tellement au téléphone.
We broke up.
Do you mean you’re not getting married?
I’m afraid the wedding is off.
04
Do you mean that he moved to Australia?
Situation 1
How are you and your boyfriend doing?
Good.
Except that he left to go to attend the University of Melbourne.
Sauf qu'il est parti pour aller étudier à l'Université de Melbourne.
Do you mean that he moved to Australia?
Yes, he left yesterday.
Situation 2
He just got a new job in Canberra.
Do you mean that he moved to Australia?
He hasn’t moved yet but yes, he’s going to Australia.
When does he leave?
05
Do you mean she’s about to have her baby?
Situation 1
You’d better pack your bags and come to the hospital.
Your wife just started labour.
Votre femme vient de commencer le travail.
Do you mean she’s about to have her baby?
Very much so.
She’s dilated 4cm already.
Elle est déjà dilatée de 4 cm.
I’ll be there as soon as I can.
Situation 2
I think you should come down to the hospital whenever you can.
Do you mean she’s about to have her baby?
Yes, your wife’s in labour.
Okay, thank you for calling. I’ll be there ASAP.
Writer's Note
We usually use "Do you mean" when we haven't understood or need clarification of what was said. Remember that body language and tone of voice play a big part in how your question is delivered.
For example, if you ask "Do you mean" with a negative facial expression while shrugging your shoulders, you don't relay a positive attitude. The receiver may feel that you aren't respectful of them.
Looking at the Speakers in the pictures above, what facial expression and body language would you prefer to be asked 'Do you mean you're going to be late?'. Given that both Speakers ask the same question, I would guess that the receiver would rather communicate with Speaker A. How about you? What situations have you been through where you were spoken to with no respect or no consideration?
