Meaning
「I didn't mean to」は、何かを意図せずに行った場合に使われる英語の表現です。例えば、誰かを傷つけてしまったり、迷惑をかけてしまった場合に、自分の行動が意図的ではなかったことを伝えたい時に用います。この表現を使うことで、相手に対して謝罪の気持ちを示すことができます。
使い方の例：
- 友達の気持ちを傷つけた場合：「I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.」（あなたの気持ちを傷つけるつもりはなかったんです。）
- 物を壊してしまった場合：「I didn't mean to break it.」（それを壊すつもりはなかったんです。）
このように「I didn't mean to」は、誤解やミスを訂正しつつ、相手に対して非意図的であることを強調するために非常に役立つ表現です。
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.
終わったら片付けを忘れないでください。
Of course!
Situation 2
What happened to the walls?
I didn’t mean to make a mess.
A mess?
This is a disaster!
これは災害です！
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.
車をぶつけるつもりはありませんでした。
Situation 2
I came as soon as I could.
Are you okay?
大丈夫ですか？
I didn’t mean to crash the car.
Another car collided into me and I hit the car that was in front.
別の車が私に衝突して、前にいた車にぶつかってしまいました。
Oh gosh, are you hurt?
Should we go to the hospital?
病院に行きましょうか？
No, I’m totally fine.
We have to wait for the police and insurance company.
警察と保険会社を待たなければなりません。
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.
ただ、前に話したことについてお話ししたかっただけです。
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?
すべて順調ですか？
No, I need your help.
Do you think you can come over?
来てもらえますか？
Sure.
I’ll be there in 20 minutes.
20分でそこに到着します。
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.
お小遣いで窓を直すのを手伝います。
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.
損害は私が支払います。
You’d better.
I’m really upset!
本当に腹が立ちます！
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.
誕生日を忘れるつもりはなかったんだ。
I was wondering when you’d remember.
Thanks a lot.
どうもありがとう。
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.
