“Thats mean” and “that means” look very similar, but they do not perform the same job in a sentence.
There is also an important spelling point: when thats means that is, the standard written form is that’s, with an apostrophe.
So the real comparison is “that’s mean” vs. “that means.”
The difference comes from grammar and meaning. In “that’s mean,” mean is an adjective describing something as unkind. In “that means,” means is a verb explaining what something indicates, signifies, or leads to.
Quick Answer
Use “that’s mean” when you mean “that is unkind” or “that is hurtful.”
You laughed at his mistake. That’s mean.
Use “that means” when you mean “that indicates,” “that signifies,” or “that results in.”
The store is closed. That means we need to come back tomorrow.
The forms are not interchangeable.
Also remember that “thats mean” is not the standard spelling when you mean “that is mean.” Write “that’s mean.”
Why People Confuse Them
The confusion comes from the shared words that and mean.
There is also a small grammatical difference that can be easy to miss when speaking:
- that’s = that is
- means = the present-tense form of the verb mean with a singular subject
Compare the structures:
That’s mean.
That + is + adjective
That means we are late.
That + verb + explanation
The word mean itself has several uses. It can describe something unkind, and it can also mean to express an idea, indicate something, or have a particular result.
That is why the surrounding sentence matters.
Key Differences At A Glance
| Feature | thats mean | that means |
|---|---|---|
| Standard spelling | that’s mean | that means |
| Grammar | That + is + adjective | That + verb |
| Main use | Describes something as unkind | Explains meaning or consequence |
| Example | “That’s mean.” | “That means we should leave.” |
| Can they be substituted? | No | No |
The easiest distinction is simple: “that’s mean” describes behavior or an action as unkind, while “that means” explains information, significance, or a result.
Meaning and Usage Difference
“That’s mean”
In “that’s mean,” the word mean is an adjective. It describes an action, comment, or behavior as unkind or unpleasant.
You ignored her after she apologized. That’s mean.
You made fun of his accent. That’s mean.
The speaker is making a judgment about the behavior.
The contraction that’s stands for that is:
That’s mean.
That is mean.
The expanded version makes the grammar easier to see.
“That means”
In “that means,” the word means is a verb. It explains what something represents, indicates, or causes.
The meeting starts at 8:00. That means we need to leave early.
The battery light is on. That means the battery needs attention.
Here, the speaker is not judging something as unkind. The speaker is explaining its significance or consequence.
The verb mean also changes to means because that is a singular subject in this structure.
Tone, Context, and Formality
“That’s mean” is usually conversational because people often use it as an immediate reaction to someone’s behavior.
“You told everyone her secret?”
“That’s mean.”
It can sound emotional or disapproving because the speaker is evaluating an action.
“That means” is more broadly useful. It works naturally in everyday conversation, school writing, workplace communication, and other contexts.
The deadline moved to Friday. That means we have more time.
The contract has expired. That means the previous agreement is no longer active.
Neither expression is inherently wrong or informal. The intended meaning determines which structure fits.
Which One Should You Use?
Choose “that’s mean” when you are describing something as unkind.
“You left her out on purpose. That’s mean.”
Choose “that means” when you are explaining what a fact, statement, sign, event, or situation indicates.
“The flight was canceled. That means we need another plan.”
A useful test is to replace the phrase mentally.
If you mean “that is unkind,” use “that’s mean.”
If you mean “that indicates” or “that results in,” use “that means.”
When One Choice Sounds Wrong
Consider this sentence:
The bus is delayed. That’s mean we will arrive late.
This is incorrect because the speaker is trying to explain a consequence. The correct form is:
The bus is delayed. That means we will arrive late.
Now consider:
You laughed when she fell. That means.
This does not express the intended idea. If the speaker wants to criticize the behavior, the natural sentence is:
You laughed when she fell. That’s mean.
Another common problem is:
That’s means we have to wait.
This is incorrect. That’s already contains is, so it cannot be combined with means in this structure.
Use:
That means we have to wait.
Common Mistakes (and Quick Fixes)
1. Writing “thats mean”
When the intended meaning is “that is mean,” the standard written form is:
That’s mean.
The apostrophe shows that letters have been omitted in the contraction.
2. Writing “that’s means”
❌ That’s means we are late.
✅ That means we are late.
The first version incorrectly combines that is with means.
3. Writing “that mean”
❌ That mean we need more time.
✅ That means we need more time.
With singular that as the subject, the present-tense verb is means.
4. Using “that’s mean” for a result
❌ The store is closed. That’s mean we cannot shop there.
✅ The store is closed. That means we cannot shop there.
The second sentence explains a consequence, so means is required.
Everyday Examples
Here are practical examples showing the difference.
Your brother made fun of your new haircut. That’s mean.
This criticizes the behavior.
The parking lot is full. That means we need to find another place.
This explains a situation and its consequence.
You deleted her work without asking. That’s mean.
The phrase evaluates the action.
The package arrived early. That means we can finish the project today.
The phrase explains what the event makes possible.
He refused to help after promising he would. That’s mean.
The speaker is describing the behavior as unkind.
The office closes at five. That means we need to finish before then.
The phrase introduces an implication.
Dictionary-Style Word Details
Verb
- thats mean: The exact spelling thats is not the standard written contraction when it means “that is.” In the intended phrase, the standard form is that’s mean, where mean is not a verb.
- that means: Means is the third-person singular present form of the verb mean. It can express significance, indicate something, or show a result.
Noun
- thats mean: Not a noun phrase. In the intended expression, that’s is a contraction and mean is an adjective.
- that means: Not a noun phrase. Here, means is a verb.
Synonyms
- thats mean / that’s mean: Closest plain alternatives include that’s unkind, that’s hurtful, or that’s not nice, depending on context.
- that means: Closest plain alternatives include that indicates, that signifies, or that results in, depending on the sentence.
These are alternatives for the intended meanings, not exact replacements in every sentence.
Example Sentences
- that’s mean: “You embarrassed him in front of everyone. That’s mean.”
- that means: “The road is closed. That means we need to take another route.”
The first evaluates behavior. The second explains a consequence.
Word History
- thats mean: The relevant standard form is that’s mean, with that’s functioning as a contraction of that is.
- that means: Means comes from the verb mean, which has several established senses involving significance, intention, result, and importance.
No special history is needed to understand the modern distinction between these expressions.
Phrases Containing
- that’s mean: Common patterns include that’s really mean, that’s so mean, and that’s mean of you.
- that means: Common patterns include that means we…, that means you…, that means that…, and that means a lot.
The surrounding words determine the specific meaning.
FAQs
Is “thats mean” correct in standard English?
No. When you mean “that is mean,” the standard written form is “that’s mean,” with an apostrophe. The phrase describes something as unkind or hurtful. Without the apostrophe, “thats” is not the standard spelling of the contraction.
What is the difference between “that’s mean” and “that means”?
“That’s mean” describes something as unkind, while “that means” explains what something indicates or what consequence follows. The first uses mean as an adjective; the second uses means as a verb with the singular subject that.
Can I use “that’s mean” to explain a result?
No. Use “that means” when you are explaining a result, significance, or consequence. For example, “The store is closed. That means we have to leave.” “That’s mean” instead comments that something is unkind.
Why is “that’s means” incorrect?
“That’s means” incorrectly combines two different structures. That’s already means that is, while means is the verb needed after singular that. Write “that means” when you want to introduce an explanation, implication, or consequence.
Is “that mean” ever correct?
Yes, but not as the usual standalone structure “that mean” when that is a singular subject. For example, “What does that mean?” is correct because does carries the grammatical marking. In “That means,” the verb itself carries the marking.
Which form should I use in formal American English?
Use “that’s mean” when you are describing something as unkind, and “that means” when you are explaining significance or consequence. In formal writing, the correct choice still depends on the intended meaning, not simply on formality.
Conclusion
The key difference between “thats mean” and “that means” is grammatical as well as semantic.
When you mean “that is unkind,” write “that’s mean.” When you mean “that indicates,” “that signifies,” or “that results in,” write “that means.”
Remember the simplest test:
That’s mean = that is unkind.
That means = that indicates or results in.
And when writing the first expression, remember the apostrophe: that’s, not thats.
