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How to Say ‘I didn't mean to’ in Japanese

こんなつもりじゃなかった

こんなつもりじゃなかった

💬 Usage Tip: [こんなつもりじゃなかった] (konna tsumori ja nakatta) is an expression of unintended consequences.

🇯🇵 In Japan: Understanding intentions and their cultural implications is key in Japanese communication.

Word-by-Word Breakdown

こんなこんな

[konna]

like this

An expression to indicate something of this kind or manner.

Example

こんなことは初めてだ。

This kind of thing is a first.

つもりつもり

[tsumori]

intention

A person's aim or plan.

Example

彼のつもりがわからない。

I don't understand his intentions.

じゃじゃ

[ja]

was not

Used to express something intended but not realized.

Example

そうじゃないよ。

It wasn't like that.

なかっなかっ

[nakatsu]

was not

Past tense negative copula used in casual context.

Example

行くつもりなかったんだ。

I didn't intend to go.

[ta]

was

Past tense marker for affirmative verbs.

Example

楽しかった。

It was fun.

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