Meaning
A straightforward question asking for clarification of meaning.
Primary Function
Clarification request
Communicative Purpose
To ensure you understand what the speaker intends
Pattern
What do you mean?
Core Structure
What do you mean?
Função primária
Clarification request
Propósito comunicativo
To ensure you understand what the speaker intends
Situações de gatilho
Confusing statements, ambiguous language, needing explicit meaning
Contextos
Everyday conversation, professional settings, academic discussions
Padrão
What do you mean?
Estrutura central
What do you mean?
Slots de substituição
(can add "exactly" or "by that")
Colocados típicos
- by that
- exactly
- really
- specifically
Substituições comuns
- What are you saying? Meaning what? I don't get it.
Erros comuns
Using bluntly can sound aggressive; soften with "sorry" or "I'm not sure I follow".
Similar / contraste
Can you clarify?, So what you're saying is..., How so?
Interferências
Intonation critical; can be genuine vs. challenging.
Família do chunk
- Clarification gambits: How do you mean?
- I'm not following
- What are you getting at?
Nuance
Seeks precision and invites a more detailed explanation.
Efeito pragmático
Opens the floor for explanation, signals need for clarification without accusation.
Dica de memória
meaning question
Nota
This chunk is used to seek clarification and is often used when something is unclear or ambiguous.
Upgrade path
What? → What do you mean? → Could you unpack that a bit?
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