What does it mean word for word?
The phrase no fue mi intención translates literally to "it was not my intention."
Which one should you use?
While no fue mi intención focuses on the lack of intent, the phrase no lo hice a propósito focuses on the fact that the act was not done on purpose.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
no fue mi intención is slightly more formal and polite than saying no quise. For a more informal way to say you didn't do something on purpose, you can use no lo hice a propósito. Other formal options include No tuve la intención, which translates to "I didn't have the intention".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because the phrase uses the preterite tense (fue), it refers specifically to a completed accidental action in the past. To specify the action you didn't mean to do, you follow the phrase directly with an infinitive verb (the unconjugated form).
Did you know?
- In casual conversation, Spanish speakers often use no quise to mean 'I didn't mean to', but the word querer literally means 'to want' or 'to love'.
- While no fue mi intención is a polite apology, in some Spanish-speaking cultures, placing a hand over the heart while speaking can further emphasize the sincerity of the sentiment.
- The word intención shares an ancient root with the English word 'tend' and the verb 'to extend', both originating from a Proto-Indo-European root describing the act of stretching something out.
Examples in context
- No fue mi intención golpearlo.I didn't mean to hit him.This sentence is useful for showing how to use no fue mi intención followed by an infinitive.Tatoeba #2001842 by marcelostockle, translation #1956008 by Spamster
- No fue mi intención ofenderte.I didn't mean to offend you.Tatoeba #3075307 by ulymarrero, translation #2282414 by Hybrid
- No fue mi intención ser irrespetuoso.I didn't mean to be disrespectful.Tatoeba #4375588 by pchamorro, translation #3330577 by CK
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo accidentally broke a decorative vase in María's house.
- Mateo¡Lo siento! No fue mi intención romperlo.I'm sorry! I didn't mean to break it.
- MaríaNo te preocupes, Mateo, fue un accidente.Don't worry, Mateo, it was an accident.
- MateoEspero que no sea muy caro.I hope it is not too expensive.
- MaríaNo pasa nada, no te sientas mal.It's okay, don't feel bad.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries intención, mi, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
