As an adjective:
* méchant(e): This is the most common translation for "mean" in the sense of being unkind or cruel.
* moyen(ne): This translates to "average" or "mediocre," and can sometimes be used to describe something that is "mean" in the sense of being not very good.
* mauvais(e): This means "bad" and can also be used to describe something that is "mean" in the sense of being unpleasant or unkind.
As a verb:
* signifier: This means "to signify" or "to mean" in the sense of representing something.
* vouloir dire: This literally translates to "to want to say" and is used to express what something means.
* impliquer: This means "to imply" or "to suggest" and can be used to describe something that is "mean" in the sense of hinting at something else.
Example sentences:
* Il est méchant avec les animaux. (He is mean to animals.)
* C'est un film moyen. (It's an average movie.)
* Le mot "chat" signifie "cat" en anglais. (The word "chat" means "cat" in English.)
* Qu'est-ce que tu veux dire par là ? (What do you mean by that?)
To give you the most accurate translation, please provide me with the sentence or context where you encountered the word "mean."