Meaning
La expresión en inglés «I didn't mean to» se utiliza para expresar que algo que hiciste, dijiste o causaste no era tu intención. Es una manera de disculparse o aclarar que no tenías la intención de causar un efecto negativo o inesperado.
Por ejemplo, si accidentalmente interrumpes a alguien mientras habla, podrías decir: «I didn't mean to interrupt you». En este caso, estás indicando que la interrupción no fue intencionada.
La estructura de la frase es bastante sencilla. Se compone de «I» (yo) + «didn't mean» (no tenía la intención) + «to» seguido de un verbo en infinitivo. Es una forma efectiva de suavizar un malentendido o una acción que pudo haber sido percibida de manera negativa por otros.
Esta frase es muy útil en situaciones cotidianas para evitar malentendidos y mostrar que no querías causar daño o inconveniencia.
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.
Solo recuerda limpiar después de que termines.
Of course!
Situation 2
What happened to the walls?
I didn’t mean to make a mess.
A mess?
This is a disaster!
¡Esto es un desastre!
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.
No quise chocar el auto.
Situation 2
I came as soon as I could.
Are you okay?
¿Estás bien?
I didn’t mean to crash the car.
Another car collided into me and I hit the car that was in front.
Otro auto chocó contra mí y golpeé el auto que estaba delante.
Oh gosh, are you hurt?
Should we go to the hospital?
¿Deberíamos ir al hospital?
No, I’m totally fine.
We have to wait for the police and insurance company.
Tenemos que esperar a la policía y a la compañía de seguros.
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.
Sólo quería hablar sobre nuestra conversación anterior.
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?
¿Todo está bien?
No, I need your help.
Do you think you can come over?
¿Crees que puedes venir?
Sure.
I’ll be there in 20 minutes.
Estaré allí en 20 minutos.
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.
Ayudaré a arreglar la ventana con mi dinero de la mesada.
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.
Pagaré por los daños.
You’d better.
I’m really upset!
¡Estoy realmente molesta!
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.
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.
No quise olvidarme de tu cumpleaños.
I was wondering when you’d remember.
Thanks a lot.
Muchas gracias.
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.
