meaner
meaner — 形容詞
- meanerpositive
- meanerercomparative
- meanerestsuperlative
1. less willing than someone else to spend money or share what you have with others
吝嗇的
不願花錢或分享財物
less willing than someone else to spend money or share what you have with others; more tightfisted.
The landlord got even meaner after the rent increase, still refusing to fix the old plumbing.
房租調漲後，房東變得更吝嗇了，仍然拒絕修理老舊的管線。
comparative: meaner + than implied context
My aunt is much meaner with her money than my uncle, who always pays for dinner.
我姑姑用錢比我叔叔吝嗇多了，我叔叔總是搶著付晚餐錢。
meaner with + noun phrase indicating resource
The new office manager is meaner than the old one, questioning every receipt the team submits.
新來的事務經理比舊的那位更吝嗇，連團隊提交的每張收據都要質疑。
That landlord is the meanest person on the street, even charging extra for hot water.
那位房東是整條街上最小氣的人，連熱水都要另外收費。
- stingy
more common in everyday speech; sounds less harsh than 'meaner'
- tightfisted
informal, very disapproving, stronger than 'mean'
- miserly
more formal; suggests hoarding money excessively
- generous
opposite quality — willing to give freely
- big-hearted
informal, describes someone who shares gladly
文法句型
meaner + than + noun phrase
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'with' to specify the resource being withheld, e.g. 'mean with money', 'mean with food portions'. The superlative 'meanest' is very common in everyday speech.
常見錯誤
2. more cruel or unpleasant in behavior, words, or attitude toward another person t
刻薄的
言行惡意或令人不悅
more cruel or unpleasant in behavior, words, or attitude toward another person than someone or something else.
The older boys were far meaner to the new student than anyone expected.
那些大男孩對新同學的刻薄程度遠遠超出大家的預料。
meaner to + person as target
The comments on that post got meaner and meaner until the moderator shut the discussion down.
那則貼文底下的留言越來越刻薄，直到版主關閉了討論。
comparative repetition: meaner and meaner (increasing intensity)
My roommate's jokes are meaner than she realizes and often leave people hurt.
我室友的玩笑話比她意識到的還要刻薄，常常讓人感到受傷。
That teacher can be meaner than the principal, shouting at students for tiny mistakes.
那位老師對學生的態度比校長還刻薄，連小錯誤也大吼大叫。
Mei's supervisor said meaner things to her than to anyone else, mocking her work in front of the team.
Mei 的主管對她說的話比對其他同事刻薄，當著團隊的面嘲笑她的工作表現。
文法句型
meaner to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often followed by 'to' when specifying the target of the cruelty. Common in everyday complaints and gossip. The pattern 'meaner and meaner' is used for progressively worsening behavior.
常見錯誤
3. more frightening in appearance or manner, and more likely to react with aggressi
兇狠的
外表或態度嚇人、可能攻擊
more frightening in appearance or manner, and more likely to react with aggression than someone or something else.
The guard dog looks meaner than it actually is, and the children have learned it is gentle.
那隻看門狗看起來比實際情況兇狠得多，孩子們後來發現牠其實很溫和。
look meaner — appearance vs. reality
The two bikers arguing outside the bar looked meaner than anyone else on the block.
在酒吧外面吵架的兩名騎士，看起來比街上任何人都兇狠。
looked meaner — perceived aggression
That bull is meaner than the cows in the pasture, so the farmer keeps it in a separate pen.
那頭公牛比牧場裡的母牛兇狠多了，所以農夫把牠關在另一個圍欄裡。
The new security guard seems meaner than the previous one, but he is just very serious about the rules.
新來的警衛看起來比之前那位兇狠，但他只是對規定很認真而已。
- fierce
similar in meaning; can also describe animals or people with a threatening appearance
- intimidating
focuses on the effect on others rather than the person's nature
- aggressive
emphasizes tendency to attack rather than just appearance
文法句型
meaner-looking
look meaner
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'look' or 'seem' to describe an intimidating appearance rather than actual behavior. The phrase 'mean-looking' also serves as a compound adjective.
4. extremely skillful or impressive in a particular activity — used informally to e
厲害的
口語中稱讚技藝超群
extremely skillful or impressive in a particular activity — used informally to express admiration.
The drummer plays a mean solo, and the crowd always cheers when she stands up to perform.
那位鼓手能演奏一段很厲害的獨奏，每當她站起來表演時，觀眾總是歡呼。
play a mean + noun (skill expression)
My grandmother makes a mean pot of beef stew that the whole family craves during winter.
我奶奶煮的牛肉湯很厲害，全家人在冬天都超想吃。
make a mean + noun (cooking skill)
The guitar teacher plays a mean blues riff that makes every student want to learn more.
那位吉他老師彈奏一段很厲害的藍調樂句，讓每個學生都想學更多。
The new chef at the corner diner cooks a mean fried chicken that draws customers from three towns away.
街角小餐館的新主廚炸雞做得很厲害，吸引了三個城鎮以外的客人。
文法句型
play a mean + noun
make a mean + noun
用法筆記
This sense is strictly informal and follows a fixed structure: verb + 'a mean' + noun denoting the activity. Common verbs are 'play', 'make', 'cook', and 'mix'. Only used with positive admiration, never literal cruelty.
常見錯誤
5. more poor, dirty, or low in quality than something else, especially when describ
簡陋的
品質差、骯髒破舊
more poor, dirty, or low in quality than something else, especially when describing a place or living conditions.
The apartment the students rented was meaner than they had imagined, with cracks in every wall.
學生們租的那間公寓比他們想像的還要簡陋，每面牆上都有裂縫。
comparative describing living conditions
The hotel room on the lower floor was meaner than the one upstairs, but it cost half the price.
低層樓的旅館房間比樓上的更簡陋，但價格只要一半。
The streets in the old part of town are meaner and dirtier than the newer neighborhoods near the river.
舊城區的街道比河邊的新社區更簡陋、更髒亂。
The cooking facilities in the camping shelter were meaner than anything the hikers had seen before.
露營 shelter 的烹飪設施簡陋到登山者們前所未見。
用法筆記
Often used to describe neighborhoods, buildings, or living conditions that are run-down. More common in literary or descriptive English than in everyday conversation. 'Mean streets' is a fixed expression for a poor, dangerous urban area.
6. relating to the mathematical average obtained by adding values and dividing by t
平均的
統計學上的平均值
relating to the mathematical average obtained by adding values and dividing by the count; this sense does not have a comparative form.
The mean temperature for July in this city is twenty-eight degrees Celsius.
這個城市七月的平均溫度是攝氏二十八度。
mean + noun: common statistical collocation
Researchers calculated the mean score of all one hundred students who took the exam.
研究人員計算了全部一百名學生的平均考試分數。
the mean score of + group
The mean age of participants in the study was thirty-four years old.
參與者的平均年齡是三十四歲。
In statistics class, the teacher showed how to find the mean value from a set of raw numbers.
在統計課上，老師示範了如何從一組原始數字中找出平均值。
- average
more common in everyday use; 'mean' is more technical
- arithmetic mean
full technical term for this type of average
文法句型
the mean + noun
用法筆記
This sense has no comparative form ('meaner' is not used for the statistical meaning). It appears only in the base form 'mean' as an adjective before a noun. Common in academic, scientific, and data-analysis contexts. Distinguished from 'median' (middle value) and 'mode' (most frequent value).
常見錯誤
meaner — 名詞
1. a number that represents the typical value in a set of data, found by adding all
平均數
總和除以個數的計算結果
a number that represents the typical value in a set of data, found by adding all the numbers together and dividing by how many numbers there are.
To find the mean of five test scores, add them up and divide by five.
要計算五次考試成績的平均數，把它們加起來再除以五。
structural formula: the mean of + set + calculation steps
The mean of the rainfall measurements over the past decade was about one hundred centimeters per year.
過去十年降雨量的平均數約為每年一百公分。
the mean of + measurements + time frame
The economics report listed the mean income of households in each district of the city.
這份經濟報告列出了該市每個行政區的家庭收入平均數。
When the teacher announced the class mean on the math test, several students were surprised by how low it was.
當老師公布班上數學考試的平均數時，有幾名學生驚訝於分數竟然這麼低。
- average
more general term; can refer to any measure of central tendency, not only the arithmetic mean
文法句型
the mean of + plural noun phrase
用法筆記
Used alongside 'median' and 'mode' as the three main measures of central tendency in statistics. In everyday language, 'average' is more common, but 'mean' is preferred in scientific and technical writing.
2. a state or way of acting that is between two extreme opposites, avoiding either
中庸
兩個極端之間的中間地帶
a state or way of acting that is between two extreme opposites, avoiding either extreme.
A good manager must find the happy mean between being too strict and too relaxed with the team.
好的主管必須在對團隊太嚴格和太寬鬆之間找到愉快的中庸之道。
the happy mean between + extreme A + and + extreme B
The politician tried to strike a mean between cutting taxes and maintaining public services.
那位政治人物試圖在減稅與維持公共服務之間取得中庸之道。
strike a mean between + two competing goals
In raising children, a parent has to find a wise mean between protecting them and letting them take risks.
在養育小孩方面，父母必須在保護孩子與讓他們冒險之間找到明智的中庸之道。
The diet plan aims for a sensible mean between strict rules and total freedom to eat anything.
這份飲食計畫的目標是在嚴格規定與完全隨意進食之間取得合理的中庸之道。
- middle ground
more common in everyday speech; less formal than 'mean'
- compromise
emphasizes mutual concession rather than balance
- balance
broader term; not limited to extremes
- extreme
one end of the spectrum, the opposite of a middle position
文法句型
the mean between + noun phrase + and + noun phrase
用法筆記
Almost always used in the fixed expressions 'the mean between', 'strike a mean', 'find a mean', or 'the golden mean'. The phrase 'the happy mean' suggests a satisfying balance. This sense derives from Aristotle's concept of the 'golden mean' in philosophy.
meaner — 動詞
- meanerpresent simple I / you / we / they
- meaners3rd person singular
- meanering-ing form
- meaneredpast simple
1. to express or communicate a particular idea, fact, or feeling — for example, wha
表示
表達或代表某個概念
to express or communicate a particular idea, fact, or feeling — for example, what a word, sign, or action represents.
The red light on the dashboard means the engine needs oil immediately.
儀表板上的紅燈表示引擎需要立即添加機油。
Subject (signal) + means + noun clause (what it indicates)
What does this symbol on the map mean? Does it point to a hospital or a train station?
地圖上的這個符號表示什麼？它是指醫院還是火車站？
question: what does + noun + mean?
The teacher's silence meant that she was disappointed with the class's behavior.
老師的沉默表示她對學生的表現感到失望。
In Japanese, the word 'arigatou' means 'thank you' and is used in everyday situations.
在日語中，arigatou 這個詞表示「謝謝」，在日常生活中使用。
The flashing signal on the phone means that a new message has arrived while you were away.
手機上閃爍的訊號表示你不在的時候有新訊息來了。
文法句型
mean + noun phrase
mean + that-clause
what + noun + means
用法筆記
This is the most basic and frequent sense of 'mean'. The question form 'What does X mean?' is essential for A2 learners. Can be followed by a noun phrase or a that-clause.
常見錯誤
2. used to emphasize that you are being sincere and serious about what you just sai
說真的
強調自己是認真嚴肅的
used to emphasize that you are being sincere and serious about what you just said, often when the listener might doubt you.
I mean it — if you arrive late one more time, you will lose your place in the program.
我是說真的——如果你再遲到一次，你就會失去在這個計畫中的名額。
I mean it — emphatic declaration
The manager said she would quit if the budget was cut again, and everyone knew she meant it.
經理說如果預算再度被刪減她就要辭職，大家都知道她是說真的。
meant it in past tense (backing up a previous statement)
When the coach says the team has to practice every weekend, he means what he says.
當教練說團隊每個週末都必須練習時，他是說真的。
The notice on the door says no food in the library, and the librarian means it.
門上的告示說圖書館內禁止飲食，圖書館員是說真的。
- be serious
equivalent in meaning but follows a different grammatical structure (be + adjective)
文法句型
mean it
mean what + subject + say
用法筆記
Most commonly used in the fixed phrases 'I mean it!' and 'mean what you say'. Often appears in threats, warnings, or promises where the speaker wants to be taken seriously. The past tense 'meant it' is used when reporting a past serious statement.
常見錯誤
3. to produce or lead to a specific outcome or consequence, especially one that is
導致
造成某種結果或後果
to produce or lead to a specific outcome or consequence, especially one that is not planned or hoped for.
Closing the factory will mean the loss of over three hundred local jobs.
關閉工廠將導致社區失去三百多個當地工作機會。
Subject (event) + means + noun phrase (consequence)
A delay on this line could mean missing your connecting flight in Tokyo.
這條路線若延誤，可能意味著錯過在東京轉機的航班。
modal + mean + gerund (possible consequence)
The new road construction means residents must take a longer route for six months.
新的道路施工導致居民在未來六個月內必須繞道而行。
Getting this promotion would mean a bigger salary but also longer hours.
獲得這次晉升會帶來更高的薪水，但也意味著更長的工作時間。
文法句型
mean + noun phrase
mean + that-clause
用法筆記
This sense is often used to explain causes and effects in a neutral, factual way. The subject is typically an event, action, or situation (not a person). Common in warnings, explanations, and analyses.
常見錯誤
4. to have a plan or intention in your mind to do a particular thing.
打算
心中計劃要做某事
to have a plan or intention in your mind to do a particular thing.
I meant to call you yesterday, but my phone battery died before I could dial.
我昨天本來打算打電話給你，但我的手機在撥號前就沒電了。
meant to + infinitive (past intention not carried out)
The teacher did not mean to embarrass the student in front of the whole class.
老師並非打算讓那名學生在全班面前難堪。
did not mean to + infinitive (unintentional action)
We meant to arrive by nine, but the highway traffic was terrible.
我們本來打算九點到達機場，但高速公路上的交通非常糟糕。
The chef meant the spicy dish for customers who enjoy strong flavors and bold spices.
那位主廚把這道辣菜是打算留給喜歡重口味的客人。
When the neighbor said the fence was too tall, he meant it as a suggestion.
當鄰居說圍籬太高時，他其實是打算暗示應該把它改低一些。
文法句型
mean + to-infinitive
mean + noun phrase + to-infinitive
mean + noun phrase + for + noun phrase
用法筆記
Often followed by a to-infinitive. The past tense 'meant to' frequently implies that the intention existed but the action did not happen. 'Mean X for Y' indicates the intended recipient or purpose.
常見錯誤
5. to be designed, intended, or designated for a particular purpose, use, or recipi
指定用途
被設計用於某個目的
to be designed, intended, or designated for a particular purpose, use, or recipient.
The small room was meant to be a storage space, not a guest bedroom.
後面那個小房間原本是設計用來當儲藏室的，不是給客人當臥室的。
be meant to be — original intended purpose
These tools are meant for cutting metal, not wood or plastic.
這些工具是專門用來切割金屬的，所以不要用在木材或塑膠上。
be meant for + purpose
This warning sign is meant to alert drivers about the sharp curve ahead.
這個警告標誌是設計用來提醒駕駛人注意山路上的急轉彎。
The scholarship is meant for low-income students who need financial aid.
這項獎學金是為來自低收入家庭、需要經濟幫助的學生而設的。
- be designed to
more formal; emphasizes planning and engineering
- be intended to
very similar; slightly more formal than 'be meant to'
- be supposed to
more common in everyday speech; can also imply obligation
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' or 'be meant for'. The active form 'someone means something to be used for X' is possible but less common. Distinguish from sense 4 ('intend'): sense 5 describes the designed purpose of an object or system, not a person's intention.
常見錯誤
6. to have a particular level of importance or emotional significance in someone's
有意義
對某人具有情感重要性
to have a particular level of importance or emotional significance in someone's life.
The letter from her grandmother means more to her than any expensive gift ever could.
奶奶寄來的那封信對她來說比任何昂貴的禮物都更有意義。
means more to + person + than + comparison
The coach's encouragement meant a lot to the athlete after her loss.
教練的鼓勵對那位在比賽失利後的年輕運動員意義重大。
meant a lot to + person — emotional significance
Money means nothing to the old carpenter; he cares only about quality.
金錢對那位老木匠來說毫無意義；他只在乎作品的品質。
The handmade card from her son meant the world to the mother.
兒子親手做的生日卡片對那位母親來說意義非凡，她保留了好幾年。
- matter to
very close in meaning but avoids the ambiguity of 'mean' in other senses
文法句型
mean + a lot / everything / nothing + to + noun phrase
用法筆記
Commonly used with degree expressions: 'mean a lot', 'mean everything', 'mean the world', 'mean nothing', or 'mean more than'. The structure is: Subject + mean(s) + degree expression + to + person. Cannot be used with a that-clause or to-infinitive.