what do you mean? | how do you mean?

This page is about the conversational phrase what do you mean? | how do you mean?

Meaning

You can say this if you want somebody to explain something more fully.

For example

  • "If you want to change the world, you have to change yourself first."
    "What do you mean? Change yourself in what way?"

  • "Being rich doesn't make you happy. Happiness comes from inside."
    "How do you mean? From inside what?"

Quick Quiz

If someone says "What do you mean?" or "How do you mean?", they want you to

a. help them understand what you've said

b. think about what you've just said

c. tell them how to be mean
a) help them understand what you've said b) think about what you've just said c) tell them how to be mean

Contributor: Matt Errey