Many English learners get confused between “that’s mean” and “that means” because they sound somewhat similar but have completely different meanings. One describes someone’s behavior or something unkind, while the other explains the meaning or result of something. Understanding this difference will help you speak and write English more accurately and confidently.
Comparison Overview
Although “that’s mean” vs “that means” look similar, they serve different purposes in English grammar.
- That’s mean is used to describe something as unkind, rude, or hurtful.
- That means is used to explain the meaning, implication, or result of something.
Mixing these expressions can completely change the meaning of your sentence, so it’s important to know when each one should be used.
| Feature | That’s Mean | That Means |
| Part of Speech | Contraction + adjective | Pronoun + verb |
| Main Purpose | Describes unkind behavior | Explains meaning or result |
| Grammar | “That is” + adjective | “That” + verb “means” |
| Used to Describe | A person, action, or comment | An explanation or conclusion |
| Example | That’s mean to say. | That means we’re late. |
Definition of That’s Mean
That’s mean is the contraction of “that is mean.”
The adjective mean describes someone or something unkind, cruel, rude, or hurtful.
It is commonly used when reacting to someone’s behavior or words.
Examples:
- That’s mean.
- That’s mean of you.
- That’s a mean joke.
- That’s mean to your little brother.
- That’s really mean.
Definition of That Means
That means uses the verb means, which comes from the verb mean, meaning to signify, indicate, or explain.
It introduces an explanation, conclusion, or interpretation.
Examples:
- That means we have to leave.
- That means the store is closed.
- That means your answer is correct.
- That means you’re ready.
- That means everything is finished.
Main Differences Between That’s Mean and That Means
The biggest difference is that one is an adjective phrase, while the other contains a verb.
| That’s Mean | That Means |
| Expresses an opinion | Gives an explanation |
| Uses the adjective mean | Uses the verb means |
| Talks about behavior | Talks about meaning or results |
| Usually reacts emotionally | Usually explains logically |
| “That is mean.” | “That signifies…” |
For example:
- That’s mean. ✔ (The comment was unkind.)
- That means we’re done. ✔ (The situation indicates completion.)
Common Situations Where They Are Confused
People often confuse these expressions because they sound alike during fast speech.
Incorrect:
- That’s mean we should leave.
Correct:
- That means we should leave.
Incorrect:
- That means of you.
Correct:
- That’s mean of you.
Grammar Guide
Understanding the grammar behind each phrase makes choosing the correct one much easier.
How Each Term Is Used in Sentences
That’s Mean
Pattern:
That’s + adjective
Examples:
- That’s mean.
- That’s mean of him.
- That’s mean to say.
- That’s very mean.
- That’s incredibly mean.
That Means
Pattern:
That + means + clause
Examples:
- That means we won.
- That means it’s raining.
- That means the project is finished.
- That means she agrees.
- That means you passed.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
Many learners make these errors:
❌ That’s mean I should go.
✔ That means I should go.
❌ That means of you.
✔ That’s mean of you.
❌ That means he’s rude.
✔ That’s mean because he’s rude.
Simple Rules to Remember
- Use that’s mean when describing something as unkind.
- Use that means when explaining an idea.
- If you can replace it with that is, use that’s.
- If you can replace it with indicates or signifies, use means.
- Check whether you need an adjective or a verb.
Quick Tips for Writing and Speaking
- Think about whether you’re giving an opinion or an explanation.
- If you’re describing behavior, use that’s mean.
- If you’re explaining information, use that means.
- Read the sentence aloud to hear what sounds natural.
- Practice using both phrases in everyday conversations.
When to Use Each One
Use that’s mean when:
- Someone says something rude.
- A person behaves unfairly.
- You want to express disapproval.
- A joke hurts someone’s feelings.
- An action seems cruel.
Use that means when:
- Explaining instructions.
- Interpreting information.
- Giving conclusions.
- Clarifying ideas.
- Describing results.
When NOT to Use Each One
Do not use that’s mean when explaining a definition or result.
Incorrect:
- That’s mean we are finished.
Correct:
- That means we are finished.
Do not use that means when describing rude behavior.
Incorrect:
- That means of you.
Correct:
- That’s mean of you.
Which One to Use (Decision Guide)
Use this simple guide:
| If You Want To… | Use |
| Describe rude behavior | That’s mean |
| Explain a meaning | That means |
| Interpret information | That means |
| React emotionally | That’s mean |
| Explain a consequence | That means |
Ask yourself:
Am I describing someone’s behavior?
→ Use That’s mean.
Am I explaining what something indicates?
→ Use That means.
Real-World Practical Examples
That’s Mean Examples
Education
- That’s mean to laugh at your classmates.
Daily Life
- That’s mean to ignore your friend.
Business
- That’s mean to blame others unfairly.
Conversation
- That’s mean! Why would you say that?
Technology
- That’s mean to post hurtful comments online.
That Means Examples
Education
- That means your homework is complete.
Daily Life
- That means dinner is ready.
Science
- That means the experiment succeeded.
Business
- That means our sales increased.
Technology
- That means your internet connection is working.
Self-Assessment (Fill in the Blanks)
- I will use ______ when referring to rude behavior. The correct word is ______ because it describes unkindness.
- I will use ______ when explaining a result. The correct word is ______ because it indicates meaning.
- She insulted her friend. That’s ______. The correct word is ______ because it is an adjective.
- The light is green. That ______ we can go. The correct word is ______ because it is a verb.
- He made fun of his brother. That’s ______. The correct word is ______ because it describes behavior.
- The teacher smiled. That ______ she is happy. The correct word is ______ because it explains a conclusion.
- That’s ______ of you to say. The correct word is ______ because it describes the action.
- The meeting ended early. That ______ everyone can leave. The correct word is ______ because it explains the result.
- Being rude is ______. The correct word is ______ because it is an adjective.
- The sign says “Closed.” That ______ the shop isn’t open. The correct word is ______ because it explains information.
- I will say ______ when someone is cruel. The correct word is ______ because it describes character.
- I will say ______ when interpreting information. The correct word is ______ because it explains meaning.
- That’s really ______. The correct word is ______ because it describes behavior.
- The schedule changed. That ______ class starts later. The correct word is ______ because it indicates a result.
- It was ______ to laugh at him. The correct word is ______ because it is descriptive.
- This symbol ______ danger. The correct word is ______ because it is a verb.
- That’s so ______. The correct word is ______ because it expresses an opinion.
- Your score improved. That ______ your hard work paid off. The correct word is ______ because it explains the outcome.
- Being unfair is ______. The correct word is ______ because it is an adjective.
- The message disappeared. That ______ it was deleted. The correct word is ______ because it explains what happened.
Answers
- That’s mean, that’s mean
- That means, that means
- mean, mean
- means, means
- mean, mean
- means, means
- mean, mean
- means, means
- mean, mean
- means, means
- that’s mean, that’s mean
- that means, that means
- mean, mean
- means, means
- mean, mean
- means, means
- mean, mean
- means, means
- mean, mean
- means, means
Final Verdict
Although “that’s mean” and “that means” sound similar, they have entirely different grammatical functions and meanings. “That’s mean” is used when describing someone or something as unkind, rude, or hurtful, while “that means” is used to explain the meaning, implication, or result of a situation. A simple way to remember the difference is to ask yourself whether you’re describing behavior or explaining information. If you’re expressing an opinion about someone’s actions, choose “that’s mean.” If you’re interpreting or clarifying something, choose “that means.” Mastering this distinction will make your English sound more natural, accurate, and confident in both speaking and writing.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between That’s mean vs that means is an important step toward using English more naturally and confidently. Although these two expressions sound similar, they serve completely different purposes. “That’s mean” describes someone or something as unkind or hurtful, while “that means” explains the meaning, implication, or result of an idea or situation. Remembering this simple distinction can help you avoid common grammar mistakes in both writing and conversation.
Whether you’re a student, an English learner, or someone who wants to improve everyday communication, practicing these expressions in real-life contexts will make them easier to remember. The more examples you read and use, the more confident you’ll become in choosing the correct phrase. By mastering That’s Mean Vs That Means, you’ll communicate your ideas more clearly, sound more fluent, and avoid confusing your readers or listeners.
FAQs
What is the difference between that’s mean and that means?
That’s mean is used to describe something as unkind, rude or hurtful. That means is used to explain the meaning, result or implication of something. Although they sound alike, they have different grammatical functions and should not be used interchangeably.
Is “that’s mean” grammatically correct?
Yes, that’s mean is grammatically correct. It is a contraction of that is mean, where mean is an adjective describing someone’s behavior or an action as unkind or hurtful. It is commonly used in everyday conversation.
Is “that means” grammatically correct?
Yes, that means is grammatically correct. In this phrase, means is the third-person singular form of the verb mean, which means to indicate, signify or explain something. It is frequently used to introduce explanations or conclusions.
Can I use that’s mean instead of that means?
No. These expressions have different meanings and grammatical roles. That’s mean expresses an opinion about behavior, while that means explains information or a result. Replacing one with the other will usually make the sentence incorrect or confusing.
Why do English learners confuse that’s mean and that means?
Many learners confuse these phrases because they sound very similar when spoken quickly. However, one uses mean as an adjective, while the other uses means as a verb. Understanding their grammar makes the difference much clearer.
How can I remember when to use that’s mean?
Think about whether you’re describing someone’s behavior. If you’re saying that someone was rude, cruel, or unkind, use that’s mean. If you can replace it with that is mean, you’ve chosen the correct expression.
How can I remember when to use that means?
Use that means whenever you’re explaining the meaning, result or implication of something. If you could replace means with indicates or signifies, then that means is the correct phrase to use.
Is “mean” an adjective or a verb in these expressions?
In that’s mean, mean is an adjective describing something as unkind. In that sense, means is a verb that explains or indicates the meaning of something. The word changes its grammatical role depending on the sentence.
Can these expressions be used in formal writing?
Yes, but with some consideration. That means is appropriate in both formal and informal writing. That means is more conversational because it uses a contraction. In formal writing, you may prefer that it means instead.
What is the easiest way to choose the correct expression?
Ask yourself what you’re trying to say. If you’re describing unkind behavior, choose that’s mean. If you’re explaining what something indicates or implies, choose that means. This simple question helps you select the correct phrase every time.
