The Chinese language has many words that can translate to “mean” in English, depending on the context and intended meaning. Generally speaking, “mean” in English can refer to something unkind, cruel, or nasty. It can also refer to an average or intended definition. When translating this word to Chinese, the specific connotation and context need to be considered in order to choose the right term.
In Chinese, some common words that correspond to different senses of “mean” in English include:
| 恶意 (è yì) | Ill will, malice, sinister intentions |
| 刻薄 (kè bó) | Harsh, unkind, mean-spirited |
| 平均 (píng jūn) | Average, mean (mathematics) |
| 意思 (yì si) | Meaning, intention, sense |
Let’s explore the nuances between these different Chinese words for “mean” in more detail. Understanding the distinctions can help ensure you choose the best translation for the context.
Words for “Mean” as Unkind
When “mean” is used in English to describe someone’s behavior as unkind, cruel, or nasty, two applicable Chinese words are 恶意 (è yì) and 刻薄 (kè bó).
恶意 (è yì) literally translates to “evil intention.” It conveys a sense of malice, sinister purpose, or deliberate harm. For example:
| English | Chinese |
| He played a mean trick on his friend. | 他对朋友恶意地开了个玩笑。 |
| There was no need for such mean comments. | 没有必要说这么恶意的话。 |
刻薄 (kè bó) also captures the sense of cruel, unkind, or mean behavior, but without necessarily implying harmful intent. It refers to harsh words or actions that hurt someone’s feelings. For example:
| English | Chinese |
| Her words came across as mean even though she didn’t intend them that way. | 她说的话显得刻薄,尽管她本意并非如此。 |
| It’s mean to make fun of someone for their appearance. | 因为外表取笑他人很刻薄。 |
So in summary, 恶意 implies a deliberate desire to harm, while 刻薄 focuses more on the unkind effect regardless of the intention.
Words for “Mean” as Average
In mathematics and statistics, “mean” refers to an average value. The Chinese translation for this sense is 平均 (píng jūn). For example:
| English | Chinese |
| The mean of 3, 5, and 10 is 6. | 3、5 和 10 的平均数是 6。 |
| This is calculated by finding the mean of the data set. | 这是通过计算数据组的平均值得出的。 |
平均 (píng jūn) can also be used in a more general sense to indicate an ordinary or typical amount. For example:
| English | Chinese |
| His performance was only mean, not excellent. | 他的表现只是平平常常,不是杰出的。 |
| They earned a mean income of $50,000 per year. | 他们的年收入平均为5万美元。 |
So in mathematical or statistical contexts, 平均 is the correct translation for the “mean” as average.
Words for “Mean” as Intended Meaning
The word “mean” can also refer to the intended meaning, sense, or definition of something. The Chinese equivalent for this usage is 意思 (yì si). Some examples:
| English | Chinese |
| What do you mean when you say that? | 你这话什么意思? |
| I don’t understand the meaning of this phrase. | 我不明白这句话的意思。 |
意思 (yì si) focuses on the exact definition or significance of something in a specific context. So it’s the best match when “mean” refers to precise meaning.
Conclusion
While “mean” has several potential translations in Chinese depending on context, some main equivalents include:
| 恶意 (è yì) | – Malicious, sinister, unkind intentions |
| 刻薄 (kè bó) | – Harsh, unkind actions or words |
| 平均 (píng jūn) | – Average, mean (mathematics) |
| 意思 (yì si) | – Precise meaning or sense |
Paying attention to the specific connotation and usage can help determine which Chinese word best conveys the “mean” meaning in English. While subtle differences exist between terms like 恶意 and 刻薄, making these distinctions can lead to more accurate Chinese translations. With a little care, you can pick the Chinese word that perfectly matches the meaning you intend.
