“That’s mean” vs. “that means” often confuses English learners because both phrases look similar but have different meanings. “That’s mean” describes rude behavior or an unkind comment. Here, “that’s” is a contraction of “that is,” and “mean” describes something hurtful. For example, “That’s mean!” expresses disapproval when someone says something unkind.
In contrast, “That means” explains a result, consequence, or meaning. For example, “You missed the bus. That means you’ll arrive late.” Here, “means” works as a verb that explains a situation. Understanding the context helps you choose the correct phrase and avoid common grammar mistakes in spoken and written English.
Remember these simple grammar rules: use “That’s mean” to describe unkind behavior and “That means” to explain what something implies. Although the phrases sound similar, their grammatical uses differ. Learning this distinction improves your English language skills, communication, and writing clarity while helping you use both expressions correctly in everyday conversations.
That’s Mean vs. That Means: The Key Difference
The main difference between these phrases lies in their grammar and purpose. One describes something as unkind, while the other introduces an explanation or conclusion.
| Phrase | Meaning | Example |
| That’s mean | That is unkind or hurtful. | “Laughing at his mistake is mean.” |
| That means | That indicates or implies something. | “The store is closed. That means we must return tomorrow.” |
In “that’s mean,” the word “mean” is an adjective that describes behavior, words, or actions. In “that means,” the word “means” is a verb that expresses what something signifies or implies.
A simple trick can help you remember the difference: use “that’s mean” to describe unkindness and “that means” to explain something.
What Does “That’s Mean” Mean?
“That’s mean” is a contraction of “that is mean.” People use it to describe an action, comment, or behavior that seems cruel, unkind, or hurtful.
For example, if someone makes fun of a classmate’s appearance, you might respond, “That’s mean.” You’re expressing disapproval of the behavior.
The word “mean” has several meanings in English, but this expression uses its adjective form to describe unkindness.
“That’s Mean” as a Way to Describe Unkind Behavior
People commonly use “that’s mean” when someone says or does something hurtful. The phrase can communicate disappointment, criticism, or sympathy for the person affected.
Consider these examples:
- “That’s mean of you to say.” — Your comment was unkind.
- “Ignoring her after she apologized is mean.” — The behavior seems hurtful.
- “That’s a mean thing to do.” — The action shows little consideration for someone else.
- “You shouldn’t call him names. That’s mean.” — Insulting him is unkind.
Notice that the phrase evaluates behavior rather than explaining what something represents. It often appears in informal conversations among friends, family members, and coworkers.
Examples of “That’s Mean” in Everyday Conversations
Here is how the phrase works in natural dialogue.
Conversation A
- Alex: “I told everyone about her embarrassing mistake.”
- Mia: “That’s mean. She trusted you.”
Mia uses the expression to criticize Alex’s behavior.
Conversation B
- Sam: “My brother ate the last piece of cake and didn’t save any for me.”
- Jake: “That’s mean!”
Jake expresses sympathy and mild disapproval.
Can “That’s Mean” Be Sarcastic or Playful?
Yes. The phrase doesn’t always express serious anger or disappointment. Friends sometimes use it playfully when teasing one another.
For example:
- “You finished the popcorn without sharing? That’s mean!”
- “You got tickets for the concert and didn’t invite me? That’s mean!”
In these situations, the speaker may be joking rather than genuinely criticizing someone. Tone, facial expressions, and context help listeners understand the intended meaning.
However, playful delivery doesn’t automatically make every hurtful remark harmless. The situation and the relationship between the speakers still matter.
What Does “That Means” Mean?
“That means” is a phrase people use to explain what something signifies, indicates, or leads to. Unlike “that’s mean,” it doesn’t describe someone as unkind.
For example, consider this sentence:
“The road is flooded. That means we need another route.”
Here, the second sentence explains the consequence of the first. The flooded road creates a practical problem, so the speaker identifies what must happen next.
Using “That Means” to Explain Something
The phrase often introduces an interpretation, conclusion, implication, or result. You can use it when explaining information, making decisions, or connecting one fact to another.
Examples include
- “Your application was approved. That means you can start Monday.”
- “The lights are off. That means nobody is home.”
- “You passed the exam. That means your preparation worked.”
- “The price increased. That means we need a larger budget.”
In each example, “that means” connects information with its significance or likely consequence.
Keep in mind that the phrase doesn’t always introduce a guaranteed result. Sometimes it presents an interpretation or reasonable conclusion based on available information.
Examples of “That Means” in Everyday Conversations
Conversation A
- Emma: “The teacher postponed the test until Friday.”
- Noah: “That means we have two extra days to study.”
Noah explains the benefit of the changed schedule.
Conversation B
- Lily: “My phone battery is at one percent.”
- Ben: “That means you should charge it soon.”
Ben identifies the practical consequence of the information.
Common Words and Phrases That Follow “That Means”
The words following “that means” depend on the explanation you want to provide. The phrase commonly introduces a complete clause.
| Example | Purpose |
| That means we can leave early. | Explains a result |
| That means you were right. | Confirms a conclusion |
| That means the plan has changed. | Describes a consequence |
| That means more work for everyone. | Identifies an implication |
| That means there’s another option. | Introduces a possibility |
You can also use the phrase at the beginning of a sentence to connect it with a previous statement. This makes your writing easier to follow.
That’s Mean vs. That Means: Key Differences Explained
Although these phrases differ by only one letter, their grammatical roles make their meanings distinct.
Meaning and Purpose
“That’s mean” describes something as unkind. “That means” explains the significance or consequence of something.
Compare these examples:
- “That’s mean.” — The action is unkind.
- “That means something.” — Something has significance or conveys information.
The surrounding context helps establish the intended meaning, but the grammatical distinction remains the same.
Grammar and Sentence Structure
Understanding the parts of speech makes the difference easier to recognize.
In “that’s mean,” the word “that’s” contracts that is. The adjective “mean” follows the linking verb “is” and describes the subject.
In “that means,” “that” is the subject, and “means” is the main verb. The verb takes the third-person singular form because that is singular.
Compare the structures:
- That + is + adjective: That is, mean.
- That + verb: That means something.
The apostrophe in that’s represents omitted letters in that is. By contrast, “means” has no apostrophe because it is a verb form.
Tone and Context
The expressions also differ in tone and conversational purpose.
| Feature | That’s mean | That means |
| Main purpose | Describe unkindness. | Explain significance or results. |
| Grammar | Linking verb + adjective | Subject + verb |
| Typical tone | Critical, sympathetic, or playful | Explanatory or informative |
| Common context | Personal interactions | Reasoning, instructions, and explanations |
For example, “That’s mean” might respond to an insult, while “That means you’re next” might explain the order of a game.
That’s Mean vs. That Means: Examples in Sentences
Comparing examples side by side helps you see how the phrases work in different situations.
Example Sentences Using “That’s Mean”
- “That’s mean of him to spread rumors.”
- “Taking someone’s belongings without asking is mean.”
- “That’s mean! You know how much she wanted to win.”
- “Making fun of someone’s accent is mean.”
- “That’s a mean joke, even if you didn’t intend to hurt anyone.”
Each sentence describes behavior, words, or actions as unkind.
Example Sentences Using “That Means”
- “The meeting starts at nine. That means we should arrive early.”
- “You finished every assignment. That means you’re ready for the exam.”
- “The restaurant has no tables available. That means we’ll need another place.”
- “She accepted the invitation. That means she’ll probably attend.”
- “Your password expired. That means you need to create a new one.”
Each example explains an implication, result, or interpretation.
Incorrect vs. Correct Usage
Writers sometimes confuse the phrases because they sound similar. The easiest correction is to identify the intended meaning.
| Incorrect or confusing sentence | Correct sentence | Why |
| “You insulted her. That means!” | “You insulted her. That’s mean!” | The speaker criticizes unkind behavior. |
| “The shop is closed. That’s mean we must wait.” | “The shop is closed. That means we must wait.” | The second clause explains a consequence. |
| “That’s means you’re late.” | “That means you’re late.” | Don’t combine that’s with the verb “means” in this structure. |
| “That’s mean we have no choice.” | “That means we have no choice.” | The sentence expresses an implication, not unkindness. |
Remember that “that is mean” and “that means” are both grammatically correct. The correct choice depends on the message you want to communicate.
Why Do People Confuse “That’s Mean” and “That Means”?
The confusion usually comes from their similar pronunciation and spelling. Both expressions begin with that, and the words “mean” and “means” differ by only one letter.
However, spoken English can make the distinction less obvious. In conversation, people may not notice the final s clearly, especially when speakers talk quickly.
Another source of confusion is the word mean itself. It can function as an adjective meaning unkind, a verb meaning signify, or a verb meaning intend.
For example:
- “That was a mean comment.” — Mean is an adjective.
- “What does this word mean?” — Mean is a verb.
- “That means we’re finished.” — Means is a verb.
Learning the word’s grammatical role is more reliable than relying on sound alone.
Common Mistakes When Using “That’s Mean” and “That Means”
Avoid these common errors when writing or speaking.
- Using “that’s mean” to explain a result: Write “that means” when you want to explain what follows from a fact.
- Using “that means” to criticize behavior: Write “that’s mean” when you want to describe an unkind action.
- Adding an unnecessary apostrophe: That’s means that is or that has in appropriate contexts. Means is simply the verb form used with a singular subject.
- Ignoring the sentence structure: Check whether mean describes something or whether means expresses an action or relationship.
- Assuming tone determines grammar: A playful sentence can still use “that’s mean,” while a serious explanation can still use “that means.”
A quick proofreading check can prevent most of these mistakes.
Similar Expressions and Their Meanings
Several related phrases can help you express the same ideas more precisely.
“That Is Mean” vs. “That’s Mean”
These expressions have the same meaning. “That’s mean” is simply the contracted form of “that is mean.”
Use the contracted form in casual conversations and most informal writing. The full form may suit situations where you want to emphasize is or maintain a more deliberate tone.
Examples:
- “That’s mean of you.”
- “That is mean of you.”
Both sentences are grammatically correct.
“That Means” vs. “It Means”
Both phrases explain significance, but their subjects differ.
“That means” often points to a specific statement, fact, or situation already mentioned. “It means” refers to something identified by the surrounding context.
Examples:
- “The deadline moved to Monday. That means we have more time.”
- “What does this symbol mean? It means peace.”
In many situations, both phrases can work. Choose the one that clearly identifies what you’re discussing.
“That’s Meaning” vs. “That Means”
These phrases aren’t interchangeable in ordinary sentences.
“That means” is the standard choice when explaining a result or significance. “That’s meaning” is generally unnatural for this purpose, although meaning can appear in other grammatical structures.
For example:
- Correct: “That means the instructions have changed.”
- Unnatural: “That’s meaning the instructions have changed.”
You can use meaning as a noun in a sentence such as “That’s the meaning of the word.” The structure and purpose are different.
How to Choose Between “That’s Mean” and “That Means”
When you’re unsure, ask yourself what the sentence needs to express.
Use “that’s mean” when you want to describe an action or comment as unkind.
Example: “Making jokes about his mistake is unfair. That’s mean.”
Use “that means” when you want to explain a fact, result, or implication.
Example: “The bus arrives in ten minutes. That means we should leave now.”
Use this quick decision guide:
- Are you describing something as cruel or unkind? Choose that’s mean.
- Are you explaining what something signifies or implies? Choose that means.
- Does the sentence connect a fact with its consequence? Choose that means.
- Does the sentence express disapproval of someone’s behavior? Choose that’s mean.
With practice, you’ll recognize the correct expression without needing to stop and analyze every sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1. What is the difference between That’s Mean and That Means?
“That’s mean” describes something unkind or rude, while “That means” explains a result, consequence, or meaning.
Q.2. Is “That’s mean” grammatically correct?
Yes, “That’s mean” is grammatically correct when you describe an unkind action or comment. For example, “Laughing at him is mean.”
Q.3. When should I use “That Means”?
Use “That means” when explaining what something implies or what happens as a result. For example, “It’s raining. That means we should stay inside.”
Q.4. Does “That’s” mean “That Is”?
Yes, “That’s” is a contraction of “that is” or, in some contexts, “that has.” In “That’s mean,” it means “that is.”
Q.5. How can I remember the difference between these phrases?
Remember that “mean” describes unkind behavior, while “means” explains information or results. Practice both phrases in simple sentences to improve your English grammar.
Conclusion
Understanding That’s Mean vs That Means is easy when you focus on the meaning of each phrase. Use “That’s mean” to describe unkind behavior, and use “That means” to explain a result or consequence. Choosing the correct expression helps you improve your English grammar, avoid confusion, and communicate clearly in everyday conversations and professional writing.
