how do you say mean in spanish

2 min read 15-04-2025

Meta Description: Learn the nuances of translating "mean" into Spanish! This guide explores various Spanish words conveying different shades of "mean," from unkind actions to calculating intentions. Discover the perfect word for your context. (158 characters)

Understanding the Nuances of "Mean"

The English word "mean" has multiple meanings, making a direct translation into Spanish tricky. There's no single perfect equivalent. The best choice depends heavily on the context in which you're using the word. Let's explore the various ways to express different meanings of "mean" in Spanish.

1. Unkind or Cruel: Malvado/a, Malo/a, Cruel

If you mean "mean" in the sense of unkind, cruel, or nasty, several options exist:

Malo/a: This is the most common and general term for "bad" or "mean." It's suitable for everyday situations. Example: "Es una persona mala" (He/She is a mean person).
Malvado/a: This implies more serious wickedness or evil. It suggests a more deliberate and potentially harmful unkindness. Example: "Es un malvado" (He is a wicked/evil person).
Cruel: This word directly translates to "cruel" and emphasizes the infliction of pain or suffering. Example: "Fue una acción cruel" (It was a cruel action).

2. Miserly or Stingy: Avaro/a, Tacaño/a

When "mean" refers to being stingy with money or possessions:

Avaro/a: This denotes extreme greed and unwillingness to share. It implies a deeper character flaw. Example: "Es un hombre avaro" (He is a miserly man).
Tacaño/a: This is a more common and less severe term for stingy or cheap. Example: "Es muy tacaño" (He is very stingy).

3. Mean as in Average: Medio

If "mean" refers to the average of a set of numbers, the Spanish word is:

Medio: This is the straightforward translation for "average" or "mean" in a mathematical context. Example: "La media de las calificaciones es 8" (The mean of the grades is 8).

4. To Mean (Intend): Querer decir, Significar

When "mean" indicates intention or signify:

Querer decir: This phrase means "to mean" or "to intend to say." Example: "¿Qué quieres decir con eso?" (What do you mean by that?).
Significar: This verb means "to signify" or "to mean" in a more formal or abstract context. Example: "Este símbolo significa paz" (This symbol means peace).

Choosing the Right Word: Context is Key

The key to correctly translating "mean" lies in understanding the specific nuance you want to convey. Consider the situation and choose the word that best reflects the intended meaning. Don't be afraid to use a phrase instead of a single word if it helps clarify the meaning more accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to say "He's a mean person" in Spanish?

The best translation depends on the type of meanness. For general unkindness, "Es una persona mala" works well. If he's cruelly mean, "Es una persona cruel" is more appropriate. If he's stingy, "Es una persona tacaña" would be better.

How do I say "What do you mean?" in Spanish?

The most common translation is "¿Qué quieres decir?" However, "¿Qué significa eso?" (What does that mean?) is also acceptable depending on the context.

Is there a single word in Spanish that perfectly captures all the meanings of "mean" in English?

No, there isn't a single perfect equivalent. The richness and ambiguity of "mean" in English require different Spanish words depending on the intended meaning.

This comprehensive guide should help you navigate the complexities of translating "mean" into Spanish. Remember, context is king! By carefully considering the situation, you can choose the most accurate and effective translation.