Meaning
當你說「I didn't mean to」時，實際上是想表達「我不是故意的」或「我無意這樣做」。這種表達方式可以用來緩解尷尬局面，讓對方知道你並沒有惡意。
使用例子：
- 如果你不小心打翻了朋友的飲料，你可以說：「I didn't mean to spill your drink.」
- 當你無意中打擾到別人時，你可以說：「I didn't mean to disturb you.」
總結來說，「I didn't mean to」是一個非常實用的短語，用來表示歉意或解釋自己的行為並非故意，希望對方能夠理解。
Today's Sentences
- I didn’t mean to make a mess.
- I didn’t mean to crash the car.
- I didn’t mean to call you so late.
- I didn’t mean to break the window.
- I didn’t mean to forget your birthday.
- Writer's Note
01
I didn’t mean to make a mess.
Situation 1
Look at this room!
I didn’t mean to make a mess.
That’s okay.
Just remember to clean up after you’re done.
只要記得完成後要清理乾淨。
Of course!
Situation 2
What happened to the walls?
I didn’t mean to make a mess.
A mess?
This is a disaster!
這是場災難！
I’ll clean it up as soon as I’m done painting.
02
I didn’t mean to crash the car.
Situation 1
What happened to your hair?
Well, I got in an accident.
Like a fight?
No, a car accident.
I didn’t mean to crash the car.
我不是故意撞車的。
Situation 2
I came as soon as I could.
Are you okay?
你還好嗎？
I didn’t mean to crash the car.
Another car collided into me and I hit the car that was in front.
是另一輛車撞上了我，然後我才撞到了前面的車。
Oh gosh, are you hurt?
Should we go to the hospital?
我們應該去醫院嗎？
No, I’m totally fine.
We have to wait for the police and insurance company.
我們必須等待警察和保險公司。
03
I didn’t mean to call you so late.
Situation 1
Are you still up?
I was about to go to bed.
I didn’t mean to call you so late.
I just wanted to talk about our conversation earlier.
我只是想談談我們之前的對話。
Do you think we can talk about it tomorrow?
Situation 2
I didn’t mean to call you so late.
That’s okay.
Is everything alright?
一切都還好嗎？
No, I need your help.
Do you think you can come over?
你認為你能過來嗎？
Sure.
I’ll be there in 20 minutes.
我大約20分鐘後到。
04
I didn’t mean to break the window.
Situation 1
Hey, did you do this?
I didn’t mean to break the window.
I’ll let it go if you sincerely apologize.
I’m so sorry I broke your window.
I’ll help fix the window with my allowance money.
我會用我的零用錢來幫忙修理窗戶。
Situation 2
I didn’t mean to break the window, I’m sorry.
What were you thinking?
Some guy tried to rob me so I grabbed my bag and it hit your window.
I’ll pay for the damages.
我會賠償損失。
You’d better.
I’m really upset!
我真的很生氣！
05
I didn’t mean to forget your birthday.
Situation 1
How was your day?
Well, it was sad and lonely.
I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to forget your birthday.
我很抱歉，我不是故意忘記你的生日。
How could you forget this day of all days?
Situation 2
What day is it today?
It’s the 15th.
Oh my god, your birthday was a week ago!
I didn’t mean to forget your birthday.
我不是故意忘記你的生日的。
I was wondering when you’d remember.
Thanks a lot.
非常感謝。
Writer's Note
When you use the phrase "I didn't mean to", you are informing someone that you did something you regret or are sorry for. It can be an unintended physical, verbal, or mental action. Here are a few more phrases that may come from negative or problematic situations.
- I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
- I didn't mean to embarrass you.
- I didn't mean to cause trouble.
- I didn't mean to leave you out.
- I didn't mean to plagiarize.
- I didn't mean to lie.
