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"I mean" is a form of "I mean", a phrase which is often translated as "quiero decir". "Rather" is an adverb which is often translated as "preferir". Learn more about the difference between "rather" and "I mean" below.
rather(
rah
-
thuhr
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
2. (quite)
a. bastante
Under the guidance of Pope Francis, the church is becoming rather socially oriented.Bajo la dirección del Papa Francisco, la iglesia se está orientando bastante hacia lo social.
3. (somewhat)
a. mejor dicho
He has been in business, or rather at his fruit stand, for 15 years now.Ha tenido un negocio, o mejor dicho un puesto de frutas, ahora por 15 años.
I mean(
ay
min
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (I signify)
a. quiero decir
Do you understand what I mean? - Yes, of course I do!¿Entiendes lo que quiero decir? - Sí, ¡por supuesto!
2. (I refer to)
a. me refiero a
When I say "all the people around me," I mean you two.Cuando digo "todos los que están a mi alrededor", me refiero a ustedes dos.
3. (I intend)
a. tengo la intención de
I mean no offence, but I think you're mistaken.No tengo la intención de ofender a nadie, pero creo que estás equivocado.
b. pienso
I mean to complete this translation by tomorrow afternoon.Pienso terminar esta traducción para mañana por la tarde.
a. o sea
I mean, we don't have to go if we don't want to, right?O sea, no tenemos que ir si no queremos, ¿no?
