mean
/miːn/ (bre, ipa) · /miːn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈmēn/ (ame, mw)
mean — 動詞
- meanpresent simple I / you / we / they
- meanshe / she / it
- meantpast simple
- meaning-ing form
1. to have a particular idea, fact, or thing as the message you are trying to expre
意思是；意指
字詞或符號所表達的含義
to have a particular idea, fact, or thing as the message you are trying to express when you say or write a word, sign, or statement — for example, the word "big" means "large in size".
The word "astronaut" means someone who travels into space.
「astronaut」這個詞的意思是前往太空旅行的人。
mean + noun phrase for word definitions
Reuben said he was sorry, but his tone meant he was not sorry at all.
Reuben 說他很抱歉，但他的語氣意味著他一點也不後悔。
mean + that-clause for hidden message
What does the red light on the dashboard mean?
儀表板上的紅燈是什麼意思？
The symbol in the corner means that this item is recyclable.
角落的標誌表示這個物品可以回收。
Heloísa asked what the email meant, because the reply was not clear.
Heloísa 問那封電子郵件是什麼意思，因為回覆寫得不太清楚。
文法句型
mean + noun phrase
mean + that-clause
mean + wh-clause
用法筆記
Frequently used with what in questions ("What does X mean?") or with that-clauses to explain the implication behind words or actions.
常見錯誤
2. to say something with complete honesty, especially when you want someone to beli
真的；確實
強調所說的是真心話
to say something with complete honesty, especially when you want someone to believe that you really feel strongly about it.
Lakan told Noa he was sorry, and this time he really meant it.
Lakan 告訴 Noa 他很抱歉，這次他是真心這麼說的。
mean it — sincerity after apology
When Salma said the food was terrible, she meant every word.
Salma 說食物很難吃的時候，她說的每個字都是認真的。
meant every word — full sincerity
I do not think Yasmin meant what she said about quitting her job.
我不認為 Yasmin 說要辭職的那些話是當真的。
Greta promised to help with the event, and she meant it.
Greta 答應幫忙活動，而且她是認真的。
The manager said the deadline was final, and he clearly meant it.
經理說截止日期是最後的期限，而且他顯然是認真的。
- be serious
more conversational equivalent; 'Are you serious?' vs 'Do you mean it?'
- joke
to say something without meaning it seriously
文法句型
mean + it
mean + what you say
用法筆記
Almost always used with 'it' as the object ('I mean it') or in the phrase 'mean what you say'. 'Mean it' cannot take a that-clause.
常見錯誤
3. to have something as a result or necessary cause — for example, if a flight is c
意味著
導致某種結果
to have something as a result or necessary cause — for example, if a flight is cancelled, that means you cannot travel.
The train strike means that thousands of people will be late for work.
火車罷工意味著數千人上班會遲到。
mean + that-clause for result
If the power goes out, it means the food in the fridge will go bad.
如果停電了，那就表示冰箱裡的食物會壞掉。
Failing this exam means repeating the whole course next semester.
這次考試不及格意味著下學期要重修整個課程。
Higher temperatures mean more water evaporates from the lake each summer.
氣溫升高意味著每年夏天有更多的湖水蒸發。
Christopher missed the last bus, which meant he had to walk home.
Christopher 錯過了最後一班公車，這意味著他得走路回家。
文法句型
mean + noun phrase
mean + that-clause
mean + -ing form
用法筆記
Common in condition-consequence sentences ('If X, it means Y'). The gerund pattern ('mean + -ing') is only used in this sense, not with the INTEND or HAVE AS MEANING senses.
常見錯誤
4. to have something as a plan or purpose in your mind, especially when you are det
打算
心裡計劃要做某事
to have something as a plan or purpose in your mind, especially when you are determined to do it.
Ishaan meant to call his mother, but he forgot until it was too late.
Ishaan 本來打算打電話給他母親，但想起來的時候已經太晚了。
meant + to-infinitive for unfulfilled plan
Anya meant to apologise to Reuben, but the right moment never came.
Anya 本來打算向 Reuben 道歉，但一直找不到合適的時機。
I did not mean to break your glasses — it was an accident.
我不是故意打破你的眼鏡——那是個意外。
The teacher meant the slower students to get extra help with the homework.
老師打算讓進度較慢的學生在作業上獲得額外幫助。
Matthew did not mean to hurt Haruto's feelings when he made that joke.
Matthew 開那個玩笑的時候，並不是故意要傷害 Haruto 的感受。
文法句型
mean + to-infinitive
mean + object + to-infinitive
用法筆記
The past tense 'meant to' often describes a plan that did not happen. 'Mean + object + to-infinitive' ('I meant you to see this') is less common but acceptable in formal and written English.
常見錯誤
5. to be designed or intended by someone to function or be used in a particular way
旨在；按理應
被設計用來做某事
to be designed or intended by someone to function or be used in a particular way, especially in the passive form 'be meant to'.
This textbook is meant for students who already speak basic English.
這本教科書是為已經會基本英語的學生設計的。
be meant + for + purpose group
The new park was meant to give children a safe place to play outdoors.
新公園的設計目的是給孩子一個安全的戶外遊戲空間。
be meant + to-infinitive — intended purpose
The notice on the door is meant to warn visitors about the wet floor.
門上的通知是要提醒訪客地板是濕的。
Those seats are meant for elderly passengers and pregnant women.
那些座位是留給年長乘客和孕婦的。
The meeting was meant to start at nine, but nobody arrived on time.
會議本來預計九點開始，但沒有人準時到達。
- be intended to
a bit more formal than 'be meant to'; 'This course is intended for beginners'
- be designed to
suggests careful planning or engineering behind the purpose
文法句型
be meant + to-infinitive
be meant + for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Almost always used in the passive voice ('be meant to'). The active form 'I mean this for you' is rare in modern English. Distinguish from sense 4 (INTEND): sense 4 describes someone's personal plan; sense 5 describes the intended function of a thing or arrangement.
常見錯誤
6. to be important in an emotional or personal way to someone — for example, a gift
有意義；重要
對某人具有情感上的重要性
to be important in an emotional or personal way to someone — for example, a gift from a close friend means a lot because of the friendship behind it.
The watch from his grandfather meant a lot to Rodrigo after the old man passed away.
祖父送的那隻手錶在 Rodrigo 心中意義重大，尤其是在祖父過世之後。
meant a lot to + person — emotional importance
Adisa told Greta that her support during his illness meant everything to him.
Adisa 告訴 Greta，她在他生病期間的支持對他來說就是一切。
meant everything to + person — highest emotional value
A simple thank-you note from a student can mean the world to a teacher.
學生一張簡單的感謝卡對老師來說可能意義非凡。
Salma said the award did not mean much to her compared to her family's pride.
Salma 說那個獎項跟家人的驕傲比起來不算什麼。
To the villagers, the old temple meant more than just a building — it was their history.
對村民來說，那座古廟不僅僅是一棟建築——它是他們的歷史。
- matter
similar emotional weight but more general; 'Your opinion matters to me'
- be unimportant
direct opposite; 'This detail is unimportant to me'
文法句型
mean + a lot/much/everything + to + person
用法筆記
Almost always used with an adverb of degree ('a lot', 'much', 'everything', 'the world') followed by 'to + person'. Cannot be used with a that-clause or to-infinitive.
常見錯誤
mean — 形容詞
- meanpositive
- meanercomparative
- meanestsuperlative
1. not willing to spend money or share what you have with others, especially when y
吝嗇的
不願意花錢或分享
not willing to spend money or share what you have with others, especially when you have enough for yourself.
The landlord was so mean that he refused to fix the broken heater all winter.
那個房東非常吝嗇，整個冬天都不肯修理壞掉的暖氣。
mean about repairing / mean with money — stingy landlord
Arjun's uncle is notoriously mean and always orders the cheapest dish when eating out.
Arjun 的舅舅出了名的小氣，出去吃飯總是點最便宜的菜。
It was mean of the company to give only a one percent salary raise after a record year.
公司在業績創新高的情況下只加薪百分之一，真是太小氣了。
The school cafeteria serves mean portions that leave the students still hungry.
學校餐廳給的份量很少，學生吃完還是覺得餓。
Christopher is not mean; he just prefers to save his money for important things.
Christopher 並不小氣，他只是想把錢存下來用在重要的事情上。
用法筆記
Common with 'with' ('mean with money') or 'about' ('mean about sharing'). Can describe both people ('a mean boss') and the things they give ('a mean tip').
常見錯誤
2. behaving in a cruel, unpleasant, or hurtful way towards other people on purpose.
刻薄的
故意說或做傷人的事
behaving in a cruel, unpleasant, or hurtful way towards other people on purpose.
It was mean of the older boys to laugh at Femi when he fell off his bike.
那些年紀較大的男生取笑 Femi 從腳踏車上摔下來，真是太刻薄了。
it + be + mean + of — judging unkind behaviour
The children at school said some very mean things about Iris's new haircut.
學校裡的孩子對 Iris 的新髮型說了一些非常難聽的話。
mean things — collocation for hurtful remarks
Why do you have to be so mean to your little sister all the time?
你為什麼老是對妹妹這麼兇？
Haruto did not understand why his friend turned so mean after the argument.
Haruto 不明白為什麼他的朋友在爭吵之後變得這麼刻薄。
Yasmin felt hurt by the mean comments posted on her art project online.
Yasmin 對於別人貼在她藝術作品底下的刻薄留言感到很難過。
用法筆記
The pattern 'it + be + mean + of + person + to-infinitive' ('It was mean of them to say that') is common. Also used with 'to' ('mean to someone').
常見錯誤
3. having a frightening and dangerous appearance or manner that makes you think the
凶狠的
外表或舉止令人害怕
having a frightening and dangerous appearance or manner that makes you think the person might become physically violent.
The movie had a mean-looking guard at the gate who scared the visitors away.
電影裡有一個模樣凶狠的警衛站在大門口，把訪客都嚇跑了。
mean-looking — compound adjective
A mean dog stood at the end of the driveway, barking at anyone who came near.
車道盡頭有一隻兇猛的狗，對著靠近的人狂吠。
mean dog — dangerous and frightening animal
Rodrigo has a mean stare that makes people nervous during meetings.
Rodrigo 的眼神很兇，開會時總是讓大家緊張。
The streets were dark and empty, and a mean wind howled through the broken windows.
街道又黑又空蕩，一陣凜冽的寒風從破掉的窗戶呼嘯而入。
Noa gave the intruder a mean look, and the man stepped back immediately.
Noa 狠狠地瞪了闖入者一眼，那人立刻往後退了。
- gentle
soft and calm, the opposite of threatening
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with 'fierce' or 'dangerous' rather than 'unkind'. It often describes animals, facial expressions, or forces of nature. Distinguish from sense 2 (UNKIND): sense 3 implies physical threat, not just emotional hurt.
常見錯誤
4. extremely good, impressive, or skilled at doing something — used informally to e
很棒的
非常出色或厲害的（口語）
extremely good, impressive, or skilled at doing something — used informally to express strong approval.
William makes a mean chocolate cake that everyone asks for at parties.
William 做的巧克力蛋糕非常好吃，每個聚會都有人指定要吃。
mean + noun — skilled at making something
The little jazz band down the street plays a mean version of that old song.
街尾那家小爵士樂團把那首老歌演奏得出神入化。
mean version — impressive musical performance
Greta can throw a mean curveball, which is why she is the team's best pitcher.
Greta 投曲球的技術一流，因此她是隊上最強投手。
That food truck serves a mean bowl of ramen with pork and soft-boiled eggs.
那台餐車的叉燒溏心蛋拉麵做得超讚。
Grandma can still play a mean game of chess even at eighty-five years old.
奶奶雖然已經八十五歲了，下棋還是非常厲害。
用法筆記
Almost always used in the pattern 'a mean + noun' (a mean burger, a mean guitar). Cannot be used as a predicate adjective ('This burger is mean' is not idiomatic). This is informal American slang.
常見錯誤
5. of poor or shabby condition, especially in terms of appearance, cleanliness, or
簡陋的
品質低劣或破舊不堪
of poor or shabby condition, especially in terms of appearance, cleanliness, or social standing.
The hero grew up in a mean little house with no running water or electricity.
主角在一棟沒有自來水也沒有電的破舊小屋裡長大。
mean little house — poor and shabby dwelling
The travelers stayed in a mean hotel near the station where the sheets had holes.
那些旅客住在車站附近一家簡陋的旅館，床單上還有破洞。
The market sold meat in a mean back room full of old boxes and dust.
市場在後面一個堆滿舊箱子和灰塵的簡陋房間裡賣肉。
Élise could not believe anyone actually lived in such mean conditions.
Élise 不敢相信竟然真的有人在這麼簡陋的環境裡生活。
The alley behind the restaurant was mean and dark, filled with rubbish bins.
餐廳後面的小巷又髒又暗，堆滿了垃圾桶。
用法筆記
This is a literary or old-fashioned sense. In modern conversation, 'run-down', 'shabby', or 'dingy' are more common. It often describes a person's living conditions or the quality of a place.
常見錯誤
6. calculated as an average — the result you get by adding numbers together and div
平均的
統計上取平均值計算的
calculated as an average — the result you get by adding numbers together and dividing the total by the number of items.
The mean temperature in Taipei during July is around thirty degrees Celsius.
台北七月平均氣溫大約是攝氏三十度。
mean + temperature — mathematical average
Caleb calculated the mean score of all his test results for the semester.
Caleb 計算了這學期所有考試成績的平均分數。
The mean height of the basketball team is one hundred and eighty-five centimetres.
籃球隊的平均身高是一百八十五公分。
Economists study the mean income of families in each region of the country.
經濟學家研究全國各地區家庭的平均收入。
The teacher explained the difference between the mean, median, and mode.
老師解釋了平均值、中位數和眾數之間的差異。
- average
more common in everyday English; 'the average score'
- median
a different type of average — the middle number in a sorted list
- arithmetic mean
the full technical term
用法筆記
Used mainly in statistics and mathematics. In everyday English, 'average' is far more common than 'mean'. 'Mean' is the technical term in formal contexts. The noun form 'the mean' (see noun sense 1) is more frequent than the adjective.
常見錯誤
7. showing a lack of moral values or honour; willing to behave in a selfish or dish
卑鄙的
缺乏道德原則的；可鄙的
showing a lack of moral values or honour; willing to behave in a selfish or dishonest way without feeling ashamed.
The novel tells the story of a mean and grasping merchant who cheats his customers.
這部小說講述一個卑鄙貪婪的商人欺騙顧客的故事。
mean + grasping — dishonest and greedy behaviour
The historian described the dictator as a mean and petty tyrant with no real principles.
歷史學家形容那位獨裁者是個卑鄙狹隘、毫無真正原則的暴君。
It was a mean trick to pretend the prize did not exist just to watch people suffer.
假裝獎品並不存在、只為了看人們難過，真是一個卑鄙的惡作劇。
In Shakespeare's play, Iago is a mean figure driven by jealousy and spite.
在莎士比亞的劇作中，Iago 是一個因嫉妒和怨恨驅使的卑鄙角色。
The journalist exposed the mean motives behind the charity's supposed generosity.
記者揭露了該慈善機構所謂慷慨背後的卑鄙動機。
- contemptible
worthy of contempt; stronger disapproval than 'mean'
- base
formal; lacking moral principles; 'base motives'
- despicable
very strong; deserving hatred or disgust
- noble
having high moral qualities; 'a noble cause'
- honourable
deserving respect and admiration
用法筆記
This sense is formal and somewhat old-fashioned. In modern English, 'petty', 'contemptible', or 'base' are more common. It usually describes a person's character or actions, not their appearance.
常見錯誤
mean — 名詞
1. a single value calculated from a set of numbers by adding them all up and splitt
平均值
相加後除以總數的結果
a single value calculated from a set of numbers by adding them all up and splitting the total equally across the number of items.
The mean of eight, ten, and twelve is ten because thirty divided by three equals ten.
八、十和十二的平均值是十，因為三十除以三等於十。
the mean of — arithmetic average calculation
Lakan calculated the mean of his exam scores to see if he passed the course.
Lakan 計算了他考試成績的平均值，看看這學期能不能及格。
The mean age of the team members is twenty-three, making them one of the youngest teams.
團隊成員的平均年齡是二十三歲，這使他們成為最年輕的隊伍之一。
Rainfall data from the past ten years gives a mean of one hundred millimetres per month.
過去十年的降雨量數據顯示每月平均值為一百毫米。
The professor showed how outliers can distort the mean of a set of data.
教授說明了極端值如何扭曲一組數據的平均值。
- average
more common in everyday English; 'the average of the scores'
- arithmetic mean
the full technical term for this type of average
用法筆記
Often used in the phrase 'the mean of + set'. In everyday English, 'average' is more common. 'Mean' is preferred in formal statistics and academic writing.
常見錯誤
2. a state or approach that avoids the extremes by sitting at a balanced point betw
中庸
兩個極端之間的中間狀態
a state or approach that avoids the extremes by sitting at a balanced point between two opposite possibilities.
In parenting, it is wise to find the mean between being too strict and too permissive.
在教養子女方面，在太嚴格與太寬容之間取得中庸之道是明智之舉。
the mean between — balance between extremes
The philosopher argued that virtue lies in the mean between excess and deficiency.
這位哲學家主張美德存在於過度與不足之間的中道。
A good diet is a mean between eating too much and eating too little.
良好的飲食習慣是在吃太多和吃太少之間取得平衡。
The manager tried to strike a mean between cutting costs and keeping staff happy.
經理試圖在削減成本和維持員工滿意度之間取得平衡。
In architecture, the goal is often a mean between beauty and practicality.
在建築設計中，目標常常是在美感與實用性之間取得平衡。
- middle ground
more common in everyday English; 'a middle ground between two opinions'
- happy medium
informal; a satisfactory compromise between extremes
- golden mean
philosophical term from Aristotle; the desirable middle between extremes
- extreme
the opposite of moderation; at one end of the scale
用法筆記
This is a formal or philosophical sense, often used in discussions of ethics, moderation, or balance. The phrase 'the golden mean' (from Aristotle's philosophy) is a related fixed expression. In modern English, 'middle ground' or 'compromise' is more common.