That’s Mean vs That Means (Updated for 2026)

English may look simple on the surface, but small grammatical details often carry big meaning. A single apostrophe, an extra letter, or a missing verb can completely change what a sentence says. One of the most common examples of this confusion is “that’s mean” vs “that means.” These two expressions sound almost identical when spoken, yet they serve very different purposes in English. Because of this similarity, learners, students, and even fluent speakers frequently mix them up in writing, exams, text messages, and everyday conversation.

In everyday conversations, people often use “that’s mean” to react emotionally to rude or hurtful behavior, while “that means” is used to explain a result, definition, or conclusion. The problem arises when learners focus only on sound instead of structure. From real-life teaching and writing experience, this confusion is especially common among ESL learners, school students, and social-media users, where grammar rules are often ignored for speed and convenience. Unfortunately, using the wrong phrase can make a sentence confusing, incorrect, or even misleading.

This article is designed to remove that confusion completely. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what “that’s mean” and “that means” mean, how they work grammatically, when to use each one, and how to avoid common mistakes. With clear explanations, real-life examples, comparisons, and practical tips, this guide will help you use both phrases confidently—whether you’re writing an essay, answering exam questions, posting online, or simply speaking English in daily life.

What Is “That’s Mean”?

“That’s mean” is a sentence used to describe behavior, words, or actions that are unkind, rude, or hurtful.

Grammar Breakdown

That’s = That is
Mean = unkind, cruel, or rude (adjective)

👉 “That’s mean” = “That is unkind.”

Simple Example

You laughed at her mistake—that’s mean.

Explanation:
Here, “mean” describes the behavior. The sentence is judging an action as rude.

What Is “That Means”?

“That means” is used to explain the result, definition, or consequence of something.

Grammar Breakdown

That = subject
Means = verb (to explain or indicate meaning)

👉 “That means” = “That explains” or “That shows.”

Simple Example

He didn’t reply—that means he’s busy.

Explanation:
The sentence explains a conclusion or result.

That’s Mean vs That Means: Core Difference

Feature	That’s Mean	That Means
Grammar Type	Description	Explanation
Part of Speech	Adjective phrase	Verb phrase
Purpose	Judges behavior	Explains meaning/result
Emotion	Often emotional	Neutral/logical
Example	“That’s mean behavior.”	“That means something.”

How “That’s Mean” Is Used in Real Life

In everyday conversations, people often use “that’s mean” to react emotionally.

Common Situations

Someone insults another person
A joke hurts someone’s feelings
A rule feels unfair
Someone acts selfishly

Example

You didn’t invite her? That’s mean.

Explanation:
The speaker is expressing disapproval.

How “That Means” Is Used in Real Life

“That means” is common in explanations, learning, problem-solving, and reasoning.

Common Situations

Explaining a word
Understanding consequences
Drawing conclusions
Clarifying instructions

Example

The store is closed—that means we must come tomorrow.

Explanation:
The sentence explains a logical outcome.

Why People Confuse “That’s Mean” and “That Means”

From real classroom experience, learners confuse these phrases because:

They sound similar when spoken quickly
Apostrophes are often ignored in casual writing
Both start with “that”
ESL learners focus on meaning, not structure

👉 But their meanings are completely different.

That’s Mean vs That Means in Spoken English

In spoken English:

“That’s mean” sounds emotional
“That means” sounds explanatory

Spoken Example

That’s mean! (angry tone)
That means we’re late. (neutral tone)

Tone often helps listeners understand which one is correct.

That’s Mean vs That Means in Writing

In writing, the difference is more obvious—and more important.

❌ That’s mean you are late.
✅ That means you are late.

❌ That means of you to say that.
✅ That’s mean of you to say that.

How to Choose the Right One (Easy Trick)

Ask yourself one question:

👉 Am I judging behavior or explaining something?

Judging behavior → That’s mean
Explaining meaning/result → That means

Quick Check

Can you replace it with “That is rude”? → That’s mean
Can you replace it with “That explains”? → That means

30 Common Examples of “That’s Mean” and “That Means”

Examples of “That’s Mean”

That’s mean of you to ignore her.
Explains rude behavior.
Laughing at mistakes is mean.
Describes unkind action.
That’s mean, even as a joke.
Judges emotional impact.
Calling names is mean.
Labels behavior.
That’s mean behavior at school.
Describes conduct.
You embarrassed him—that’s mean.
Emotional reaction.
That comment was mean.
Criticism.
That’s really mean of him.
Expresses disapproval.
Mean words hurt feelings.
General truth.
That’s mean, stop it.
Direct reaction.

Examples of “That Means”

That means we are late.
Explains result.
Red light means stop.
Definition.
That means she agreed.
Logical conclusion.
If it rains, that means no match.
Cause and effect.
This sign means danger.
Explanation.
That means he passed the test.
Inference.
No reply means he’s busy.
Conclusion.
That means you understood.
Clarification.
This word means happiness.
Definition.
That means we should wait.
Decision-making.

Mixed Practice Examples

You took his food—that’s mean.
You didn’t study? That means you’ll fail.
That’s mean behavior in class.
That means the plan worked.
Mocking accents is mean.
That means the store is closed.
That’s mean of her to lie.
That means tomorrow is free.
That’s mean—apologize.
That means we won.

That’s Mean vs That Means in Exams

For school and competitive exams:

That’s mean → adjective sentence
That means → verb phrase

Exam Tip

If the sentence needs a verb, choose means.
If the sentence describes behavior, choose mean.

Common Mistakes People Make

❌ Mistake 1: Using “That’s mean” for explanations

❌ That’s mean he is tired
✅ That means he is tired

❌ Mistake 2: Using “That means” for emotions

❌ That means of you!
✅ That’s mean of you!

❌ Mistake 3: Ignoring the apostrophe

Apostrophes change meaning in English.

How to Teach This to Students

Use emotion vs explanation method
Act out sentences
Use daily-life examples
Practice sentence correction

How Writers Should Use These Phrases

Writers should:

Use “that’s mean” in dialogue
Use “that means” in narration or explanation

Example in Story

“That’s mean!” she shouted.
That means the truth finally came out.

That’s Mean vs That Means in Social Media & Texting

People often write incorrectly online because of speed.

Correct Usage Matters

Clear communication
Professional impression
Better language skills

FAQs About “That’s Mean vs That Means”

1. Is “that’s mean” grammatically correct?

Yes. It means that is unkind.

2. Is “that means” correct English?

Yes. It explains meaning or result.

3. Can “mean” be a verb here?

No. In “that’s mean,” mean is an adjective.

4. Why do ESL learners confuse them?

Because pronunciation sounds similar and apostrophes are tricky.

5. Which one is more common?

Both are common—but used in different contexts.

Internal Linking Suggestions

You can link this article with:

Common English Grammar Mistakes
Apostrophe Rules in English
Mean vs Meaning
That vs Which

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “that’s mean” and “that means” may seem like a small grammar detail, but it plays a powerful role in clear and correct communication. While both expressions begin with the word that and may sound similar when spoken quickly, their meanings, grammar, and purposes are completely different. “That’s mean” is used to describe behavior that is unkind, rude, or hurtful, whereas “that means” is used to explain a meaning, result, or logical conclusion. Confusing the two can easily change the message you want to express.

From real-life teaching experience, this is one of the most common mistakes made by students, ESL learners, and even fluent speakers—especially in writing, exams, and online communication. The key to mastering these phrases is not memorizing rules, but understanding intent. If you are expressing an emotional reaction or judging behavior, “that’s mean” is the correct choice. If you are explaining, defining, or drawing a conclusion, “that means” is the phrase you need. This simple thinking strategy makes the difference clear and easy to remember.