Thats Mean vs That Means – Simple Grammar Explanation for Learners (2026)

Many English learners feel confused when they hear sentences like “That’s mean” and “That means…”. At first, both sound very similar.

They even start with the same word: that. Because of this, students often think they can use them in the same way. But that is not true.

This confusion happens a lot in daily English. You hear it in classrooms, online comments, text messages, and spoken conversations.

One small letter “s” changes the meaning, the grammar, and the use of the sentence. Native speakers notice this mistake quickly, but learners usually do not understand why their sentence sounds wrong.

This topic is important because both expressions are very common. One is used to talk about behavior or attitude, and the other is used to explain meaning or results.

Mixing them up can change your message completely. Sometimes it can even sound rude without meaning to.After reading this lesson, you will clearly understand:

• What “that’s mean” really means
• What “that means” is used for
• The grammar rules behind both
• How to avoid common mistakes
• How to use them naturally in daily life

Everything is explained in very simple English, just like a teacher talking to students in class.

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What Does “That’s Mean” Mean?

Simple definition

“That’s mean” is used to describe someone’s behavior or words as unkind, rude, or cruel.

The word mean here is an adjective. It describes how a person acts or speaks.

When to use it

You use “that’s mean” when:

• Someone says something hurtful
• Someone behaves badly
• Someone is not kind or friendly

It is often used as a reaction.

Grammar rule

• That’s = that is
• Mean = adjective

Structure:
That + is + adjective

So, “that’s mean” is grammatically correct when mean describes behavior.

Example sentences

1. That’s mean. Why would you say that?
2. Taking his lunch was mean.
3. That’s mean of you.
4. Laughing at her mistake is mean.
5. That’s really mean behavior.
6. It was mean to ignore her.
7. That’s mean, and it hurt my feelings.

Common learner confusion

Many learners think mean always talks about meaning or explanation. That is wrong here. In “that’s mean”, mean has nothing to do with explanation. It only talks about unkind behavior.

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What Does “That Means” Mean?

Simple definition

“That means” is used to explain the meaning, result, or conclusion of something.

The word means here is a verb.

When to use it

You use “that means” when:

• You explain information
• You explain results
• You explain what something shows

It often comes after facts, numbers, or situations.

Grammar rule

• Means = verb (present simple)
• Subject = that

Structure:
That + means + explanation

Example sentences

1. That means we are late.
2. If it rains, that means the game is canceled.
3. She didn’t call. That means she’s busy.
4. The price went up. That means we pay more.
5. He passed the exam. That means he can graduate.
6. No reply from her. That means no.
7. The light is red. That means stop.

Common learner confusion

Learners sometimes say “that’s mean we are late”, which is incorrect. The verb means is required because you are explaining something.

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Difference Between Thats Mean and That Means

Basic idea

Even though they sound similar, these two expressions have different jobs in English.

Comparison table

Feature	That’s mean	That means
Word type	Adjective	Verb
Talks about	Behavior	Meaning or result
Describes	Someone’s action	A situation
Grammar role	Description	Explanation
Example	That’s mean.	That means we lost.

Usage difference

• That’s mean judges behavior
• That means explains information

Grammar logic

In “that’s mean”, mean describes that.
In “that means”, means explains that.

Sentence structure difference

• That is mean → description
• That means something → explanation

Meaning comparison

• “That’s mean” = unkind
• “That means” = shows or explains

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Grammar Rules You Must Remember

Rule 1: Mean as an adjective needs “is”

Correct:
That is mean.

Wrong:
That mean.

Rule 2: Means is always a verb

Correct:
That means a lot.

Wrong:
That mean a lot.

Rule 3: Don’t mix adjective and verb forms

Correct:
That’s mean behavior.
That means trouble.

Wrong:
That’s mean trouble.

Rule 4: Think of purpose before choosing

• Describing behavior → that’s mean
• Explaining meaning → that means

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Common Mistakes Students Make

Why mistakes happen

• Both sound similar
• “Mean” has more than one meaning
• Learners translate directly from their language

Wrong vs correct examples

Wrong:
That’s mean we are late.

Correct:
That means we are late.

Wrong:
That means of you.

Correct:
That’s mean of you.

Easy correction tips

• Ask yourself: Am I judging or explaining?
• Judging → adjective → that’s mean
• Explaining → verb → that means

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Easy Trick to Remember the Difference

Think like this:

• Mean person → adjective → that’s mean
• Meaning of something → verb → that means

If you can replace it with “unkind”, use that’s mean.
If you can replace it with “this shows”, use that means.

This simple logic works almost every time.

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Daily Life Examples

1. You broke her phone? That’s mean.
2. The bus didn’t come. That means we walk.
3. That joke was mean.
4. He smiled. That means he agrees.
5. Ignoring messages is mean.
6. The shop is closed. That means no shopping.
7. That comment was mean.
8. She said yes. That means she’s coming.
9. That’s mean to say.
10. The alarm rang. That means wake up.

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Practice Section

Choose the correct option.

1. That ___ rude.
   (a) means
   (b) is mean
2. He didn’t answer. That ___ he’s busy.
   (a) means
   (b) is mean
3. Laughing at him is ___.
   (a) mean
   (b) means
4. The light is off. That ___ no power.
   (a) means
   (b) is mean
5. That comment ___ hurtful.
   (a) is mean
   (b) means

Answers

1. b
2. a
3. a
4. a
5. a

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FAQs

What is the difference between thats mean and that means?

“That’s mean” describes rude or unkind behavior. “That means” explains the meaning or result of something.

Can we use that means in questions?

Yes. Example: Does that mean we are late?

Is thats mean formal or informal?

It is informal and used mostly in spoken English.

Can mean be both adjective and verb?

Yes. Mean can describe behavior or explain meaning, depending on grammar.

Why do learners confuse these two?

They sound similar and share the same root word, but their grammar roles are different.

Is “that mean” ever correct?

No. It must be either “that’s mean” or “that means”.

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Final Conclusion

Understanding the difference between that’s mean and that means is a small step, but it makes a big improvement in your English. One expression talks about kindness or rudeness, and the other explains meaning or results. Mixing them up is common, so do not feel bad if you make mistakes. Every learner does.

The key is to slow down and think about what you want to say. Are you describing behavior, or are you explaining information? Once you ask that simple question, the correct choice becomes clear.

Practice using both expressions in daily sentences. Listen to how native speakers use them in conversations, movies, and videos. With time, it will feel natural.

English is not about being perfect. It is about being clear. Keep practicing, keep asking questions, and your confidence will grow.