How to Say ‘What does it mean?’ in Japanese
どういう意味
dou iu imi
[doh ee-oo ee-mee]
💬 Usage Tip: [どういう] means “what kind of,” so [どういう意味] is literally “what kind of meaning?” Very natural Japanese.
🇯🇵 In Japan: This phrase is great for learners. If you are confused, just ask [どういう意味？] and people will usually rephrase for you.
Phrase Breakdown
どう
dou
[doh]
what kind of; what do you mean by
A question word used to ask for explanation or clarification about something.
どういう言い方ですか。
What kind of expression is it?
いう
iu
[ee-oo]
to say; such that one says
From 言う. In phrases like どういう, it helps describe what kind of thing someone means.
先生がいうことを聞きます。
I listen to what the teacher says.
意味
imi
[ee-mee]
meaning
A noun meaning the meaning or sense of a word, phrase, or idea.
その文の意味が分かりません。
I do not understand the meaning of that sentence.
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