This could mean
Hedging expression to soften claims
Use this phrase to offer your opinion while leaving room for others to disagree politely.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to suggest a possibility without being too direct.
- Softens claims to avoid sounding aggressive or being proven wrong.
- Perfect for professional meetings, social analysis, or giving gentle feedback.
意味
This phrase is a polite way to suggest an idea without being 100% sure. It helps you sound less aggressive and more open to other people's opinions.
主な例文
3 / 6Analyzing a friend's silence
She hasn't replied to my text; this could mean she's just busy.
She hasn't replied to my text; this could mean she's just busy.
Discussing business trends
Our traffic is down; this could mean we need to change our strategy.
Our traffic is down; this could mean we need to change our strategy.
Interpreting a confusing sign
The sign says 'Closed for now'; this could mean they'll open later today.
The sign says 'Closed for now'; this could mean they'll open later today.
文化的背景
The concept of 'hedging' is deeply rooted in Anglo-Saxon communication styles, where directness can sometimes be perceived as rudeness or arrogance. This phrase became a staple of professional discourse in the mid-20th century as corporate culture moved toward collaborative decision-making. In places like the UK, it is often used to deliver bad news gently.
The 'Safe' Opinion
Use this when you want to share a controversial idea. It makes people less likely to attack you because you aren't claiming it's the only truth.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use it in every sentence, you might sound like you don't know what you're talking about. Save it for when there is real uncertainty.
15秒でわかる
- A polite way to suggest a possibility without being too direct.
- Softens claims to avoid sounding aggressive or being proven wrong.
- Perfect for professional meetings, social analysis, or giving gentle feedback.
What It Means
This could mean is your best friend for being cautious. It turns a hard fact into a gentle suggestion. You use it when you see evidence but don't want to bet your life on it. It moves you from 'I know' to 'I think.' It is the ultimate tool for avoiding being wrong.
How To Use It
Place it right before your interpretation of a situation. You can use it to explain a friend's weird text. You can use it to analyze a drop in sales at work. It works best when followed by a possible outcome. For example, This could mean we need a bigger budget. It sounds smart but keeps you safe. Don't forget the word could is the magic ingredient here. It provides the 'maybe' that everyone appreciates.
When To Use It
Use it when you are interpreting data or human behavior. It is perfect for a first date when you are analyzing a look. It is great in a meeting when the boss asks for your opinion. Use it when you want to sound thoughtful rather than impulsive. It shows you have considered multiple possibilities. It makes you look like a diplomat in a room full of loud voices.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase when you need to be decisive. If the building is on fire, don't say This could mean we should leave. Just say Run! Do not use it for basic facts like your name or age. It makes you sound like you have lost your memory. Also, avoid it if you are 100% certain and need to show authority. Too much hedging can make you look weak or unsure of your own skills.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in the UK and North America, love 'hedging.' It is a cultural obsession with being polite and indirect. We hate being told we are wrong. So, we use phrases like This could mean to protect our egos. It is a social lubricant that prevents arguments before they start. It reflects a culture that values 'suggesting' over 'demanding.' It is the linguistic equivalent of a 'soft landing.'
Common Variations
This might mean(slightly less certain)This may mean(a bit more formal)It’s possible that this means(very cautious)One interpretation is that this means(very academic)
使い方のコツ
This phrase sits in the 'neutral' to 'formal' range. It is highly effective in workplace diplomacy and academic writing to avoid being overly assertive.
The 'Safe' Opinion
Use this when you want to share a controversial idea. It makes people less likely to attack you because you aren't claiming it's the only truth.
Don't Over-Hedge
If you use it in every sentence, you might sound like you don't know what you're talking about. Save it for when there is real uncertainty.
The British 'Understatement'
In the UK, this is often used for something obvious. If it's pouring rain, a Brit might say 'This could mean we'll get a bit wet' as a form of dry humor.
例文
6She hasn't replied to my text; this could mean she's just busy.
She hasn't replied to my text; this could mean she's just busy.
Softens the assumption to avoid overthinking.
Our traffic is down; this could mean we need to change our strategy.
Our traffic is down; this could mean we need to change our strategy.
Presents a business solution as a suggestion rather than a command.
The sign says 'Closed for now'; this could mean they'll open later today.
The sign says 'Closed for now'; this could mean they'll open later today.
Used to make a logical guess about a situation.
That clunking sound? This could mean we are walking home tonight!
That clunking sound? This could mean we are walking home tonight!
Using a hedge to make a joke about a bad situation.
The results are slightly elevated; this could mean you need more rest.
The results are slightly elevated; this could mean you need more rest.
Delivers medical information without causing immediate panic.
He didn't call, but this could mean he just fell asleep on the couch.
He didn't call, but this could mean he just fell asleep on the couch.
Provides a comforting alternative explanation.
自分をテスト
Choose the best phrase to sound polite in a meeting.
The client is quiet. ___ they are unhappy, or they might just be thinking.
'This could mean' is the best choice because it expresses a possibility without being too certain.
Complete the sentence to avoid sounding too aggressive.
The oven is smoking! ___ we should have cleaned it last week.
Using 'could' makes the observation feel less like a direct accusation.
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ビジュアル学習ツール
Formality and Confidence Scale
Maybe it means...
Maybe it means he's late.
The sweet spot for daily use.
This could mean he's late.
One might infer that...
One might infer that he is delayed.
Where to use 'This could mean'
Office Meeting
Analyzing sales drops
Texting Friends
Guessing why a crush hasn't called
Doctor's Office
Discussing symptoms
Home Life
Explaining why the cat is grumpy
よくある質問
10 問No, 'This means' is a fact, while 'This could mean' is a possibility. Use the latter when you aren't 100% sure.
Yes, it is very common in academic writing to avoid making 'over-generalized' claims. It shows you are a careful researcher.
Absolutely! It's great for gossiping or wondering about things, like This could mean they're dating!
They are almost identical. This might mean is slightly more 'dreamy' or less likely, but you can use them interchangeably.
Not if used correctly. It actually sounds more professional and thoughtful than being loud and wrong.
Yes, That could mean is used if you are referring to something someone else just said. This could mean usually refers to a situation you are currently looking at.
No, it is standard English. It's safe to use with your boss, your grandma, or a stranger.
You would say, Could this mean...? For example, Could this mean we're lost?
Forgetting the word mean. Some people say This could... and stop. You need the verb to complete the thought.
It's part of 'politeness theory.' We try to avoid 'face-threatening acts' or being too bossy.
関連フレーズ
It suggests that
A slightly more formal way to say something points to a conclusion.
Perhaps it's because
Used to offer a reason for something.
I suspect that
Used when you have a strong feeling but no proof.
It points to
Used when evidence is leading in a specific direction.
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