Meaning
"I didn't mean to"는 영어에서 상대방에게 실수나 오해로 인해 불편을 끼쳤을 때 사과의 의미로 많이 사용됩니다. 이 표현은 자신의 행동이 의도치 않았음을 강조하며, 상대방에게 진심 어린 사과를 전하고자 할 때 적절합니다.
예를 들어, 친구의 물건을 실수로 떨어뜨렸을 때 "I didn't mean to"라고 말하면, 해당 행동이 고의가 아니었음을 나타냅니다. 이 표현은 상대방의 기분을 상하게 했거나 예기치 않은 결과를 초래했을 때 많이 사용됩니다.
일상 대화에서 "I didn't mean to"는 다양한 상황에서 활용될 수 있으며, 이를 통해 상대방에게 자신의 진심을 전달하고자 하는 의도를 분명히 할 수 있습니다. 이러한 맥락에서 사용되는 이 표현은 상대방과의 관계를 원활하게 유지하는 데 도움을 줄 수 있습니다.
따라서, "I didn't mean to"는 잘못된 행동에 대한 책임을 인정하고 사과의 뜻을 전하는 중요한 영어 표현입니다. 상대방에게 오해가 없도록 자신의 의도를 명확히 하고 싶을 때 이 표현을 사용해 보세요.
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.
다 끝나면 꼭 정리하는 것 잊지 마세요.
Of course!
Situation 2
What happened to the walls?
I didn’t mean to make a mess.
A mess?
This is a disaster!
이건 재앙이에요!
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.
차를 고의로 충돌시킨 게 아니에요.
Situation 2
I came as soon as I could.
Are you okay?
괜찮아요?
I didn’t mean to crash the car.
Another car collided into me and I hit the car that was in front.
다른 차가 저에게 충돌해서 앞에 있던 차를 치게 되었습니다.
Oh gosh, are you hurt?
Should we go to the hospital?
병원에 가야 할까요?
No, I’m totally fine.
We have to wait for the police and insurance company.
우리는 경찰과 보험 회사를 기다려야 합니다.
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.
단지 우리 아까 나눈 대화에 대해 이야기하고 싶었어.
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?
모두 괜찮나요?
No, I need your help.
Do you think you can come over?
올 수 있을 것 같아?
Sure.
I’ll be there in 20 minutes.
20분 안에 도착할게.
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.
내 용돈으로 창문을 고치는 것을 도울게요.
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.
손해 배상은 제가 하겠습니다.
You’d better.
I’m really upset!
나 정말 화났어!
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.
네 생일을 잊으려던 건 아니었어.
I was wondering when you’d remember.
Thanks a lot.
정말 고마워요.
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.
