Mean to Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈmin/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ

MEEN-tuh, MEEN-tih, MEEN-too

UK

mˈiːn/ /tˈuː

MEEN-too

Definition

To plan or intend to do something; to have something as a purpose or desire.

Usage & Nuances

'Mean to' is informal and often used in spoken English for intention. It is commonly used in the present ('I mean to call') or past ('I meant to call'). Do not confuse with 'mean' meaning 'signify'; 'mean to' is about plans or intentions.

• Spanish: tener la intención de - querer (hacer algo)
• Portuguese (BR): pretender - ter a intenção de
• Portuguese (PT): pretender - ter a intenção de
• Chinese (Simplified): 打算（做某事）- 有意（做某事）
• Chinese (Traditional): 打算（做某事）- 有意（做某事）
• Hindi: इरादा होना - मक़सद रखना
• Arabic: ينوي - يقصد (أن يفعل شيئًا)
• Bengali: ইচ্ছা করা - পরিকল্পনা করা
• Russian: намереваться - собираться
• Japanese: つもりである - 意図する
• Vietnamese: dự định - có ý định
• Korean: 의도하다 - 계획하다
• Turkish: niyet etmek - amaçlamak
• Urdu: ارادہ کرنا - منصوبہ بنانا
• Indonesian: bermaksud - berniat

Example Sentences

I mean to finish my homework tonight.

basic

Did you mean to call me yesterday?

basic

They didn't mean to hurt your feelings.

basic

Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you.

natural

I totally meant to send that email, but I forgot.

natural

Do you mean to keep it like this, or should I change something?

natural