Dictionary
English - Japanese
Means
minz
Extremely common
700 - 800
700 - 800
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
手段 (shudan), 意味 (imi), 資産 (shisan), 手段 (shudan) / 方法 (houhou)
Means meanings in Japanese
手段 (shudan)
Example:
Education is a means to improve one's life.
教育は人生を向上させる手段です。
He used every means available to solve the problem.
彼は問題を解決するために利用できるあらゆる手段を使いました。
Usage: formalContext: Used in discussions about methods or ways to achieve something.
Note: This meaning emphasizes the method or way of achieving a goal.
意味 (imi)
Example:
What does this word mean?
この単語は何を意味しますか？
The means of the text is not clear.
その文の意味は明確ではありません。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in discussions about definitions or interpretations.
Note: This meaning refers to the significance or interpretation of something.
資産 (shisan)
Example:
He is a man of means.
彼は資産のある人です。
They live beyond their means.
彼らは自分の資産を超えて生活しています。
Usage: formalContext: Used when discussing financial status or wealth.
Note: This meaning is often related to someone's financial capability.
手段 (shudan) / 方法 (houhou)
Example:
Using a smartphone is a modern means of communication.
スマートフォンを使うことは現代のコミュニケーションの手段です。
We need to find a means to reduce costs.
コストを削減する手段を見つける必要があります。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in practical situations where methods or tools are discussed.
Note: This meaning is often interchangeable with '方法' (houhou) in casual contexts.
Means's synonyms
method
A method is a particular way of doing something or achieving a result.
Example: One method of transportation is by car.
Note: Method is often used in a more structured or systematic context compared to means.
way
Way refers to a method, style, or manner of doing something.
Example: There are many ways to solve this problem.
Note: Way is more general and versatile, often used in a broader sense compared to means.
approach
Approach refers to a way of dealing with a situation or problem.
Example: We need to consider a different approach to this issue.
Note: Approach emphasizes the strategy or perspective taken in addressing something, different from means which focuses on the method or tool used.
instrument
An instrument is a tool or means used to achieve a specific purpose.
Example: Education is an important instrument for social change.
Note: Instrument often conveys a sense of being a tool or mechanism used for a specific purpose, similar to means but with a focus on functionality.
Means expressions, common phrases
By all means
This phrase means 'certainly' or 'of course'. It is used to give permission or express willingness for something to be done.
Example: You can go ahead and start the project by all means.
Note: While 'means' refers to a method or way of doing something, 'by all means' is an idiomatic expression indicating permission or encouragement.
By no means
This phrase means 'definitely not' or 'in no way'. It is used to emphasize that something is not allowed or advisable.
Example: By no means should you attempt to fix the machine without proper training.
Note: Similar to 'by all means', 'by no means' is an idiomatic expression that negates the original meaning of 'means' and emphasizes a strong denial or prohibition.
Ends and means
This phrase refers to the methods or actions taken to achieve a goal or objective.
Example: She believed that the ends justify the means, so she did whatever it took to win the competition.
Note: While 'means' typically refers to the way or method used to accomplish something, 'ends and means' focuses on the relationship between the desired outcome (ends) and the methods employed to achieve it (means).
Know what one means
This phrase means to understand or comprehend what someone is trying to convey.
Example: I don't think he knows what I mean when I say 'take the initiative'.
Note: While 'means' can refer to methods or ways of doing things, 'know what one means' specifically pertains to understanding someone's communication or intention.
Make ends meet
This phrase means to have enough money to cover basic expenses or to make a living.
Example: With the rising cost of living, it's becoming harder for many families to make ends meet.
Note: While 'means' can refer to various methods or resources, 'make ends meet' specifically focuses on financial sufficiency to cover expenses.
By any means
This phrase means using any possible method or resource, regardless of how extreme or difficult it may be.
Example: We must finish this project by any means necessary to meet the deadline.
Note: Similar to 'by all means', 'by any means' emphasizes the use of any method to achieve a goal, regardless of the challenges or obstacles faced.
A means to an end
This phrase refers to using something as a way to achieve a particular result or goal.
Example: For him, working at the company was just a means to an end – he wanted to gain experience to start his own business.
Note: While 'means' can refer to methods or resources, 'a means to an end' specifically highlights the instrumental nature of something in achieving a desired outcome.
Means everyday (slang) expressions
The real McCoy
Authentic or genuine; the real thing.
Example: This watch is the real McCoy, not a fake.
Note: The phrase 'The real McCoy' implies something is authentic or the genuine article, unlike the word 'means' which refers to a method or way of achieving something.
Money talks
Money has persuasive power or influence.
Example: In this town, money talks.
Note: While 'means' typically refers to methods or resources for accomplishing something, 'money talks' emphasizes the persuasive power of money.
Get the message
To understand or comprehend something, especially a hint or signal.
Example: I think she understands now; she finally got the message.
Note: While 'means' is about methods or resources, 'get the message' focuses on understanding or receiving a communicated idea.
Read between the lines
To grasp a hidden meaning or interpret something that is not directly stated.
Example: You need to read between the lines to understand what she really meant.
Note: Unlike 'means' which refers to methods, 'read between the lines' suggests interpreting deeper nuances and underlying messages.
Cut to the chase
To get to the main point or essential part without unnecessary details.
Example: Let's cut to the chase and get to the main point of the discussion.
Note: 'Cut to the chase' involves getting straight to the point, contrasting with 'means' which involves methods or ways of achieving something.
The ins and outs
All the details or intricacies of a situation or subject.
Example: I'll explain all the ins and outs of the project to you.
Note: 'The ins and outs' refers to the details and complexities of a topic, unlike 'means' which focuses on the methods or tools used to accomplish something.
Mumbo jumbo
Confusing or meaningless language that is difficult to understand.
Example: I couldn't follow his speech; it was all mumbo jumbo to me.
Note: 'Mumbo jumbo' describes confusing language, while 'means' pertains to methods or resources for achieving a goal or outcome.
Means - Examples
Means of transportation have greatly improved over the years.
We need to find a means to solve this problem.
The company provided us with all the necessary means to complete the project.
Means grammar
Means - Verb (Verb) / Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present)
Lemma: mean
Conjugations
Adjective, comparative (Adjective, comparative): meaner
Adjective, superlative (Adjective, superlative): meanest
Adjective (Adjective): mean
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): means
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): mean
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): meant
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): meant
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): meaning
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): means
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): mean
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): mean
Syllables, Separation and Stress
means Contains 1 syllables: mean
Phonetic transcription: ˈmēn
mean , ˈmēn (The red syllable is stressed)
Means - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
means: 700 - 800 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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