The phrase “I mean” is frequently used in English to clarify, explain, or emphasize a previous statement. It helps the speaker to give more detail or correct themselves. In Nepali, the phrase “I mean” can be translated as “मैले भन्न खोजेको के हो भने” (Maile bhanna khojeko ke ho bhane) or “मेरो मतलब” (Mero matlab). Both of these translations express the intent of clarification or explanation.
What Does “I Mean” Mean in Nepali?
In daily conversations, we often use “I mean” to elaborate or restate what we previously said, ensuring the listener understands clearly. This expression is helpful for casual conversations, formal talks, or even when giving opinions.
Examples:
English: I mean, we should have left earlier to avoid the traffic.
Nepali: Maile bhanna khojeko ke ho bhane, traffic jambata bachnako lagi hamile pahile nai hidnu parthyo. (मैले भन्न खोजेको के हो भने, ट्राफिक जामबाट बच्नको लागि हामीले पहिले नै हिँड्नु पर्थ्यो।)
English: I mean, it’s not that difficult if you try.
Nepali: Ma bhanna khojeko ke ho bhane, yadi tapaile prayas garnubhayo bhanae yo tyati garo chaina. (म भन्न खोजेको के हो भने, यदि तपाईंले प्रयास गर्नुभयो भने यो त्यती गाह्रो छैन।)
English: I mean, he was supposed to call me but he didn’t.
Nepali: Mero matlab, usle malai call garnu parthyo tara usle garein. (मेरो मतलब, उसले मलाई कल गर्नु पर्थ्यो तर उसले गरेन।)
English: I mean, this is a great opportunity for you.
Nepali: Mero matlab, yo timi lai ekdam ramro awasar ho. (मेरो मतलब, यो तिमीलाई एकदम राम्रो अवसर हो।)
English: I mean, if you want to improve, you need to practice more.
Nepali: Mero matlab, yadi timi sudharna chahanchau bhane, timile ajha abhyas garnuparcha. (मेरो मतलब, यदि तिमी सुधार्न चाहन्छौ भने, तिमीले अझ अभ्यास गर्नुपर्छ।)
Usage of “I Mean” in Conversations
The phrase “I mean” can be used in different contexts:
Clarification: You use it when you feel the need to make your point clearer.
Example: I mean, let’s be honest, that was not the best decision.
Translation: Maile bhanna khojeko ke ho bhanae, imandar banau, tyo uttam nirnaya thiyaena. (मैले भन्न खोजेको के हो भने, इमान्दार बनौं, त्यो उत्तम निर्णय थिएन।)
Elaboration: When you want to add more details or elaborate on something you just said.
Example: I mean, we could try another approach if this one doesn’t work.
Translation: मैले भन्न खोजेको के हो भने, यो तरिकाले काम गरेन भने हामी अर्को तरिका पनि प्रयास गर्न सक्छौं।
Correcting Yourself: Sometimes, you may use “I mean” to correct what you just said.
Example: I mean, I didn’t say it was easy, I said it’s possible.
Translation: मेरो मतलब, मैले यो सजिलो छ भनेको होइन, मैले सम्भव छ भनेको।
Conclusion
The phrase “I mean” is a useful tool in conversations to explain or clarify something further. In Nepali, it can be expressed as “मैले भन्न खोजेको के हो भने” (Maile bhanna khojeko ke ho bhane) or “मेरो मतलब यो हो” (Mero matlab yo ho), which can help you ensure your listeners fully understand your thoughts or intentions.