Abbreviations in English
Every language has abbreviations, and English is no exception. We will tell you about the essential words that will help you speak like a native
Abbreviations in English: 9 Essential Words
If you watch movies and TV shows, or listen to songs in English, you’ve likely encountered abbreviations of certain phrases and words.
Such abbreviations exist in every language, and English is no exception. Native speakers typically speak more simply than academic rules require. We know this from our own language.
If you aim to speak fluently, it’s helpful to know these abbreviations. This way, you’ll be able to better understand native speakers. It will also make watching movies and understanding songs easier.
Don't try to use these abbreviations during English exams. Teachers may lower your final score, considering it as slang. It's better to use them in informal settings, like chatting with friends. In formal situations, speak grammatically correct.
- Going to = gonna - planning to do something -
- I’m gonna visit my family now - I’m planning to visit my family now.
- Give me = gimme - give me -
- Gimme that green book - Give me that green book.
- Got to = gotta - have to do something -
- I gotta go - I have to go.
- Kinda = kind of - sort of, kind of -
- Did you like the movie? - Kinda - Did you like the movie? - Sort of.
- Hafta = have to - have to do something -
- You hafta learn English - You have to learn English.
- Lemme = let me - let me -
- Hello, lemme ask you a question - Hello, let me ask you a question.
- Wanna = want to - want to -
- I wanna be a rock star - I want to be a rock star.
- Dunno = don’t know - don’t know -
- I dunno this woman - I don’t know this woman.
- Lotsa = a lot of - a lot of something -
- He has lotsa money - He has a lot of money.
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