Conjugation

Mean

vouloir dire

Irregular verb.

  • A state, not an action

    mean usually describes a state, so it rarely takes the -ing tenses: I mean, not I’m meaning.

In speech, the helping verbs shorten: I’m, he’s, we’re, I’ve, I’ll, I’d.

Newbie

Enough to talk about now, the past, and your plans, and to give instructions.

  1. Present simple

    Habits, facts, and how things usually are. To say no or ask, add do or does: I don't mean, he doesn't mean.

    1. I / you / we / they mean
    2. he / she / it means

  2. Present continuous

    What is happening now, and plans already arranged: we’re leaving tomorrow.

    1. I am meaning
    2. you / we / they are meaning
    3. he / she / it is meaning

  3. Past simple

    A finished action at a past time: yesterday, in 2020. To say no or ask, add did: I didn't mean.

    1. I / you / he / she / it / we / they meant

  4. Future with going to

    Plans and intentions, and what you can see coming: it’s going to rain.

    1. I am going to mean
    2. you / we / they are going to mean
    3. he / she / it is going to mean

  5. Imperative

    Orders, advice, and instructions. Let’s suggests doing it together. To say no: don't mean.

    1. (you) mean
    2. let's mean