English has many small phrases that sound almost identical but work very differently in a sentence. “That’s mean” vs “that means” is a good example.
The confusion usually comes from the contraction that’s, which can mean that is or that has.
So, is “that’s mean” correct? Is “that means” the phrase you actually need? The answer depends on what you are trying to say.
In most situations where you want to explain the meaning or result of something, “that means” is correct. For example, “The store is closed. That means we have to come back tomorrow.”
By contrast, “that’s mean” is normally incorrect when you intend to say “that means.” However, “that’s mean” can be grammatically correct when “mean” is an adjective, as in “That’s mean!” meaning “That is unkind.”
This guide explains the difference clearly, including grammar, pronunciation, everyday usage, formal writing, common mistakes, examples, and the situations in which each expression belongs.
Quick Answer
“That means” is correct when you mean “that indicates,” “that signifies,” or “the result is.”
You missed the bus. That means you’ll be late.
“That’s mean” can also be grammatically correct, but only when mean is an adjective meaning unkind, cruel, or unpleasant.
You said that’s mean.
That’s mean!
So, if you are asking whether something means something, use “that means.” If you are describing something as unkind, “that’s mean” can be correct.
That’s Mean vs That Means: Comparison Table
| Feature | That’s mean | That means |
|---|---|---|
| Basic structure | That + is + mean | That + means |
| Main grammatical role | “Mean” is usually an adjective | “Means” is a verb |
| Main meaning | That is unkind/cruel | That indicates/signifies something |
| Example | “That’s mean!” | “That means we should leave.” |
| Correct? | Yes, in the appropriate context | Yes |
| Common use | Describing behavior | Explaining meaning or consequence |
| Part of speech | Mean = adjective | Means = verb |
| Pronunciation | /ðæts miːn/ | /ðæt miːnz/ |
| Formal writing | Correct when appropriate | Very common and correct |
| Everyday English | Common | Extremely common |
| Can replace “that means”? | No | — |
| Can replace “that is unkind”? | Yes | No |
| Common mistake | Using it to mean “that indicates” | Less commonly confused |
| Example situation | “Ignoring her was mean.” → “That’s mean.” | “He left early. That means he won’t stay.” |
| Remember it as | That is mean | That indicates |
Quick rule: If you can replace the phrase with “that is unkind,” use “that’s mean.” If you can replace it with “that indicates,” use “that means.”
What Does “That’s Mean” Mean?
“That’s mean” is a contraction of:
That is mean.
Here, mean is an adjective. It describes a person, action, comment, decision, or behavior as unkind, hurtful, cruel, or unpleasant.
For example:
That’s mean.
This means:
That is unkind.
You might say this when someone makes an insulting joke, excludes someone deliberately, or behaves in a hurtful way.
Examples of “That’s Mean”
- You laughed when he fell. That’s mean.
- You deleted her work as a joke? That’s mean.
- That’s mean of you.
- Wow, that’s mean!
- I know you were joking, but that’s mean.
- It’s mean to make fun of someone’s accent.
In all these examples, mean describes behavior.
Grammar of “That’s Mean”
The structure is:
That + is + adjective
Here:
- That = pronoun
- ’s = is
- mean = adjective
Therefore:
That’s mean.
can be expanded to:
That is mean.
The phrase is grammatically complete.
“Mean” as an Adjective
The adjective mean has several related meanings depending on context. In everyday English, it can describe someone or something as:
- unkind
- cruel
- spiteful
- hurtful
- unpleasant
For example:
He was mean to his brother.
That was a mean thing to say.
That’s mean.
Here, mean does not mean “signify.”
That distinction is the key to understanding that’s mean vs that means.
What Does “That Means” Mean?
“That means” is a different grammatical construction.
Here, means is a verb. It comes from the verb mean and means something like:
- signifies
- indicates
- implies
- results in
- tells us that something is true
For example:
The lights are off. That means nobody is home.
Here, that means introduces an explanation or conclusion.
The sentence does not mean:
That is unkind.
Instead, it means:
The fact that the lights are off indicates that nobody is home.
Examples of “That Means”
- The shop is closed. That means we have to wait.
- She didn’t answer. That means she may be busy.
- You passed the test. That means you can move to the next level.
- It is raining. That means the game may be canceled.
- He has already left. That means we missed him.
- The price increased. That means customers will pay more.
In every example, means is a verb expressing a relationship between one fact and its meaning, implication, or consequence.
The Main Difference Between “That’s Mean” and “That Means”
The easiest way to understand the difference is to look at the grammar.
“That’s mean” = That is unkind
That’s mean.
Expanded:
That is mean.
Here, mean is an adjective.
“That means” = That indicates something
That means we are late.
Here, means is a verb.
Expanded conceptually:
That indicates that we are late.
These phrases may look almost the same when spoken quickly, but they perform completely different jobs.
Why Do People Confuse “That’s Mean” and “That Means”?
There are several reasons.
1. “That’s” and “that” sound similar in fast speech
When people speak naturally, contractions can make sentence boundaries less obvious.
Compare:
That’s mean.
and:
That means…
They begin with almost the same sounds:
“thats mean…”
But grammatically they are different.
2. “Mean” has several meanings
The word mean can be:
- a verb meaning “signify”
- an adjective meaning “unkind”
- a verb meaning “intend”
- a noun in mathematical contexts, as in the mean
For example:
What does this word mean?
Here, mean is a verb.
But:
That was mean.
Here, mean is an adjective.
And:
The mean of 4 and 8 is 6.
Here, mean is a noun.
Because the same spelling has several grammatical roles, learners often mix them up.
3. “That’s” is a contraction
That’s can stand for:
that is
or, in some constructions:
that has
It is not a shortened form of that means.
So:
That’s mean.
does not mean:
That means.
That is one of the most important rules to remember.
“That’s Mean” vs “That Means” in Simple Examples
Consider these pairs.
Example 1
That’s mean.
Meaning:
That is unkind.
That means you were wrong.
Meaning:
That indicates that you were wrong.
Example 2
That’s mean of him.
Meaning:
His behavior is unkind.
That means he doesn’t care.
Meaning:
His behavior indicates that he doesn’t care.
Example 3
Making fun of her is mean.
Meaning:
Making fun of her is unkind.
Making fun of her means you are being disrespectful.
Meaning:
That behavior indicates that you are being disrespectful.
The extra words often make the grammatical difference much easier to see.
Is “That’s Mean” Grammatically Correct?
Yes, but only in the appropriate meaning.
The sentence:
That’s mean!
is grammatically correct when mean is an adjective meaning unkind or cruel.
For example:
You told everyone my secret? That’s mean!
However, this sentence would be incorrect if you were trying to say:
That means everyone knows my secret.
In that situation, the correct phrase is:
That means everyone knows my secret.
So the issue is not that “that’s mean” is always wrong. The issue is that it has a different grammatical structure and meaning.
Is “That Means” Grammatically Correct?
Yes.
“That means” is standard English.
The word means is the third-person singular present form of the verb mean.
Compare:
- I mean
- you mean
- we mean
- they mean
- he means
- she means
- it means
- that means
For example:
What does this word mean?
But:
This word means something different here.
And:
That means we need another solution.
The verb changes to means because the subject that is third-person singular.
The Grammar Behind “That Means”
The basic structure is:
That + means + complement
For example:
That means + we should leave.
The phrase can introduce:
- an explanation
- an implication
- a consequence
- an interpretation
- a conclusion
Meaning or Definition
The word “rapid” means “fast.”
Implication
He hasn’t replied. That means he may be busy.
Consequence
The deadline has passed. That means we cannot submit it today.
Interpretation
She smiled when I arrived. That means she was happy to see me.
The exact meaning depends on context, but means is always functioning as a verb.
“That Means” Does Not Always Mean “That Is”
This distinction is useful because learners sometimes treat mean as a direct equivalent of be.
They are not interchangeable.
Compare:
That is expensive.
and:
That means it costs a lot.
The first sentence describes something.
The second explains what a fact implies.
Likewise:
That is strange.
versus:
That means something is wrong.
The grammatical function changes completely.
Can “That’s Mean” Be Used Before Another Clause?
Usually, when mean means “unkind,” you can use it as a description:
That’s mean.
That’s really mean of you.
That was mean of him.
But if your intended meaning is “that indicates…”, use:
That means…
For example:
That’s mean that we have to leave. ❌
This is not the normal construction.
Instead:
That means that we have to leave. ✅
Or more naturally:
That means we have to leave. ✅
“That Means” vs “That Means That”
Both can be correct.
That means + clause
That means we need more time.
This is extremely natural.
That means that + clause
That means that we need more time.
This is also grammatically correct.
The second that introduces the following clause.
In everyday English, speakers often omit it:
That means we need more time.
In formal writing, either structure can work depending on the sentence.
“That’s Mean” vs “That Means” in American English and British English
There is no major US-versus-UK distinction between these expressions.
Both American English and British English use:
That’s mean.
when mean means unkind.
Both also use:
That means…
when means means indicates or implies.
The basic grammatical distinction is shared across standard varieties of English.
So this is not primarily a British-versus-American spelling or vocabulary issue.
Pronunciation Difference
The expressions can sound confusing in fast conversation.
That’s mean
Pronounced approximately:
/ðæts miːn/
The final s in that’s is part of the contraction.
That means
Pronounced approximately:
/ðæt miːnz/
The s is attached to means, and the word ends with a z sound.
Compare:
That’s mean.
with:
That means.
The difference becomes clearer when you slow down and identify the word boundaries.
Listening Tip
Listen for the grammatical unit:
that’s + adjective
versus:
that + verb
For example:
That’s mean.
= That is mean.
That means you’re late.
= That indicates you’re late.
“That’s Mean” in Everyday Conversation
You are likely to hear “That’s mean!” in casual conversations, especially when someone has behaved badly.
Examples:
You didn’t invite her? That’s mean.
Don’t say that. That’s mean.
That joke was funny, but that’s mean.
That’s really mean of you.
It is conversational but completely normal English.
It can also express mild disapproval rather than serious condemnation.
“That Means” in Everyday Conversation
“That means” is even broader.
People use it when explaining what something tells them.
Examples:
He’s not answering. That means he’s probably asleep.
You got an A? That means you did really well.
The road is closed. That means we need another route.
You don’t have your ID? That means you can’t enter.
It appears frequently in ordinary speech because people constantly explain relationships between facts and conclusions.
Professional and Business English
Both phrases can appear in professional communication, but their functions remain different.
“That means” in business writing
The contract expires next month. That means we need to renew it before June.
The supplier has increased its prices. That means our costs will rise.
The data was incomplete. That means the analysis needs to be repeated.
“That’s mean” in professional contexts
The adjective mean can be grammatically correct, but it is generally more conversational when used to describe someone’s behavior.
For professional writing, alternatives may be more precise:
That was inappropriate.
That comment was unprofessional.
That response was unnecessarily harsh.
So although “that’s mean” is grammatical, context and tone matter.
Academic Writing
In academic writing, “that means” can be perfectly acceptable, especially when explaining an implication.
For example:
The sample size was smaller than expected. That means the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
However, formal academic prose may sometimes prefer more precise wording:
This suggests that the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
or:
This indicates that the findings should be interpreted cautiously.
The choice depends on the level of formality and the relationship being described.
“That’s mean”, when meaning “that is unkind,” is less likely to be needed in academic writing because academic prose usually discusses behavior with more precise descriptive language.
20+ Real-Life Examples
Here are original examples showing how the two expressions work in different situations.
Everyday Conversation
- You ignored her message? That’s mean.
- The restaurant is closed. That means we’ll need another place.
- He laughed at your mistake. That’s mean.
- The bus has already left. That means we’re going to be late.
- Don’t tease him about that. That’s mean.
Text Messages
- You didn’t tell me? That’s mean 😂
- She hasn’t replied yet, so that means she’s probably busy.
- You deleted my photo? That’s mean!
- The meeting moved to Friday. That means we have another day.
School
- Making fun of another student is mean.
- The teacher canceled the test. That means we have more time to study.
- You copied his answer? That’s mean and unfair.
- The assignment is due tomorrow. That means I need to finish it tonight.
Business
- The client rejected the proposal. That means we need to revise it.
- Changing the deadline without telling the team is unfair and can seem mean.
- The supplier is unavailable this week. That means we’ll need another supplier.
- The payment hasn’t arrived yet. That means we cannot complete the order.
- I don’t think that comment was appropriate. It came across as mean.
Social Media
- Posting someone’s private message publicly is mean.
- The event is sold out. That means tickets are no longer available.
- Calling someone names just because you disagree is mean.
Professional Writing
- The figures have changed significantly. That means the original forecast must be reviewed.
- The evidence is limited. That means the conclusion should be treated cautiously.
Daily Speaking
- The door is locked. That means they’re not inside.
- You embarrassed him in front of everyone. That’s mean.
Notice how that’s mean describes behavior, while that means explains information.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using “That’s mean” to mean “That means”
❌ The train is late. That’s mean we’ll miss the meeting.
The problem is that that’s means that is, so the sentence effectively starts:
The train is late. That is mean…
That is not the intended grammar.
✅ The train is late. That means we’ll miss the meeting.
Mistake 2: Using “That means” to describe something as unkind
❌ You laughed at him. That means.
If you mean the behavior was unkind, say:
✅ You laughed at him. That’s mean.
Or:
✅ Laughing at him is mean.
Mistake 3: Writing “that’s means”
❌ That’s means we should leave.
This incorrectly combines two different structures.
You cannot normally use:
that’s + means
because that’s already represents that is.
Correct:
✅ That means we should leave.
Mistake 4: Writing “that mean” with singular “that”
❌ That mean we have to wait.
The subject that is singular, so the present-tense verb needs -s:
✅ That means we have to wait.
Compare:
That means…
but:
Those mean…
when those is genuinely the subject and the meaning is appropriate.
Mistake 5: Confusing “mean” with “means”
The verb changes according to the subject:
I mean it.
You mean it.
They mean it.
but:
He means it.
She means it.
That means something.
The -s is not optional in standard present-tense grammar when the subject is third-person singular.
A Simple Test: Replace the Phrase
When you are unsure, replace the expression.
Test for “That’s mean”
Ask:
Can I replace it with “That is unkind”?
If yes, “that’s mean” is probably what you need.
Example:
You lied to her. That’s mean.
→ You lied to her. That is unkind.
The meaning works.
Test for “That means”
Ask:
Can I replace it with “That indicates”?
If yes, use “that means.”
Example:
The store is closed. That means we have to wait.
→ The store is closed. That indicates we have to wait.
The meaning works.
Memory trick:
That’s mean = That is mean.
That means = That indicates.
Other Meanings of “Mean”
Understanding the word mean itself makes this comparison much easier.
Mean as a verb: signify
What does this word mean?
Here, mean asks about meaning.
Mean as a verb: intend
I didn’t mean to hurt you.
Here, mean means intend.
Mean as an adjective: unkind
That was mean.
Here, mean describes behavior.
Mean as a noun: mathematical average
The mean of 10 and 20 is 15.
Here, mean is a mathematical noun.
These different uses explain why mean can be confusing for English learners.
“That’s Mean” Does Not Mean “That Means”
This is worth emphasizing because the two expressions differ by only one small grammatical detail.
That’s mean:
That is unkind.
That means:
That indicates something.
Compare:
He refused to help me. That’s mean.
The speaker is judging his behavior as unkind.
But:
He refused to help me. That means I have to do it myself.
The speaker is explaining the consequence.
You can even use both in the same conversation:
He refused to help you? That’s mean. That means you’ll have to do it yourself.
This sentence shows the distinction perfectly.
“That Means” and “It Means”
Another useful comparison is that means versus it means.
Both can be correct.
That means
Usually points back to a specific fact, statement, event, or situation:
The door is locked. That means nobody can enter.
It means
Often refers to a word, expression, statement, or previously mentioned idea:
What does “fragile” mean? It means easily broken.
Both expressions are common, but the choice depends on what that or it refers to.
“That’s Meaning” Is Usually Different
You may also encounter “that’s meaning”, but it does not normally function as a replacement for “that means.”
For example:
That’s meaning something important. ❌
This is not the normal way to express the idea.
Instead:
That means something important. ✅
The verb mean is what you need in the simple present:
That means…
The form meaning is a present participle and requires a suitable grammatical construction.
Can “That’s Mean” Be Formal?
It is grammatically standard, but the adjective mean is often informal or conversational when it means unkind.
In formal contexts, writers may choose words such as:
- unkind
- insensitive
- inappropriate
- discourteous
- hostile
- unnecessarily harsh
For example:
That comment was mean.
is conversational.
A more formal version might be:
That comment was unnecessarily harsh.
This is a question of register, not grammatical correctness.
Can “That Means” Be Formal?
Yes.
“That means” works across a wide range of registers.
You can use it in:
- conversation
- emails
- business writing
- educational writing
- reports
- explanations
- journalism
- academic prose
For example:
The results were statistically significant. That means the observed difference is unlikely to be due to random variation alone.
For highly formal writing, alternatives such as indicates, suggests, or implies may sometimes be more precise, but that means itself is not grammatically informal.
Style Guide and Dictionary Perspective
Major English dictionaries distinguish the different grammatical meanings of mean.
The verb mean can express the idea of signifying or indicating, while the adjective mean can describe someone or something as unkind or unpleasant.
That distinction is more important here than any particular style-guide preference.
Neither American English nor British English changes the fundamental rule:
that’s = that is
that means = that + singular verb
The practical issue is therefore grammar and meaning, not regional spelling.
Key Differences at a Glance
- That’s mean = That is unkind.
- That means = That indicates/signifies something.
- Mean in “that’s mean” is an adjective.
- Means in “that means” is a verb.
- That’s is a contraction of that is.
- That means is not a contraction.
- Use that means when explaining a result or implication.
- Use that’s mean when describing behavior as unkind.
- Neither expression is simply a substitute for the other.
- The correct choice depends on what you want to communicate.
Memory Tricks
Trick 1: Expand “that’s”
Whenever you see that’s, expand it mentally:
That’s = That is
So:
That’s mean.
becomes:
That is mean.
Now the grammar becomes obvious.
Trick 2: Think “indicates”
If you can replace means with indicates, use:
That means.
For example:
The lights are off. That means nobody is home.
→
The lights are off. That indicates nobody is home.
Trick 3: Remember the adjective test
If you are describing someone’s behavior:
That’s mean.
If you are explaining information:
That means.
Trick 4: One extra letter changes the job
mean → adjective in that’s mean
means → verb in that means
That little s carries important grammatical information.
Quick memory line:
Mean = unkind.
Means = indicates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “that’s mean” grammatically correct?
Yes. “That’s mean” is grammatically correct when mean is an adjective meaning unkind, cruel, or unpleasant.
That’s mean of you.
It is not normally correct when you intend to say “that indicates.”
Is “that means” correct English?
Yes. “That means” is standard English. It is used to explain what something signifies, indicates, implies, or results in.
The store is closed. That means we need another option.
Is “that’s mean” the same as “that means”?
No. They have different grammar and meaning.
That’s mean = That is unkind.
That means = That indicates something.
Why is “that’s means” wrong?
That’s already means that is, so “that’s means” incorrectly combines is with the singular verb means.
Use:
That means we should leave.
not:
That’s means we should leave.
Should I say “that means” or “that’s mean”?
Ask what you want to communicate.
If you mean “that indicates”, use that means.
If you mean “that is unkind”, use that’s mean.
Is “that means that” grammatically correct?
Yes.
That means that we need more time.
The second that introduces the following clause. In everyday English, it is often omitted:
That means we need more time.
Is “that means” formal or informal?
It is suitable for both everyday and formal English. In especially formal or academic writing, words such as indicates, suggests, or implies may sometimes offer greater precision.
Is there a British English and American English difference?
No important regional difference exists in this particular distinction. Both British and American English use “that’s mean” for the adjective meaning unkind and “that means” for the verb meaning indicates or signifies.
Can “mean” be both a verb and an adjective?
Yes.
As a verb:
What does this word mean?
As an adjective:
That was mean.
It can also be a noun in mathematics:
The mean is the average.
Final Verdict
Both “that’s mean” and “that means” can be correct—but they do not mean the same thing.
Use “that’s mean” when mean is an adjective describing something as unkind or cruel:
You laughed at her. That’s mean.
Use “that means” when means is a verb meaning indicates, signifies, or implies:
She hasn’t replied. That means she may be busy.
The most useful rule is simple:
“That’s mean” = “That is unkind.”
“That means” = “That indicates.”
So, if your intended sentence is explaining the meaning, result, or implication of something, choose “that means.”
If you are saying that someone’s words or actions are unkind, “that’s mean” is the natural choice.
The two expressions may sound similar, but once you identify the role of mean—adjective versus verb—the difference becomes straightforward.
Evan Bennett is a language enthusiast who writes simple, clear guides about word meanings, slang, phrases, and everyday expressions.
He helps readers understand modern language quickly with easy explanations and useful examples.