a)EXPLAINused when explaining or giving an example of something, or when pausing to think about what you are going to say next 我的意思是〔用于解释或举例,或停下来考虑接着说什么时〕
You’re more of an expert than me. I mean, you’ve got all that experience.
你比我更专业,我是说,你有那么丰富的经验。
It’s just not right. I mean, it’s unfair isn’t it?
这就是不对。我是说这不公平,你说呢?
b)CORRECTused to quickly correct something you have just said 我是说〔用以马上纠正刚说过的话〕
She plays the violin, I mean the viola, really well.
她小提琴——我是说中提琴——拉得确实好。
Examples from the Corpus
I mean• Very few people have a career of great longevity, constancy and consistency in films. I mean a real career.• So she said OEAll right, sir. I mean Charles.• Ted seems kind of lazy. I mean, he never offers to help and he just lies in front of the TV.• My father was a heavydrinker, I mean, he used to drink a quart of scotch a day.• I mean, he was nice and everything, but I just didn't find him attractive.• I, I mean I need it.• I'm afraid I can't help you. What I mean is that I'm not a detective, and I don't solvecrimes.• I just bought some apricots, no, I meanpeaches.• What is she, I mean, she knows it turns me on.• I was never a political animal. I mean the Journalists had that sort of job to do.• If there is a next time I mean to win.