What’s the Difference Between “I Meant To” and “I Meant It”?

[gaberlunzie]

Hi everyone,

I’m new here and currently trying to improve my spoken English — especially with expressions that seem similar but are used differently. One that keeps confusing me is:

"I meant to..." vs "I meant it."

For example:

• “I meant to call you yesterday.”
• “I meant it when I said you’re a great friend.”

They both use “meant,” but I feel like they express different ideas? Is it about intention vs confirmation? I’ve heard both in shows and conversations, but I’m not confident about when to use which.
Would love a clear explanation — and if possible, a few more examples to help it stick.
Thanks in advance!

Geometry Dash​

 

[jutfrank]

First, get clear in your mind two very different senses of the verb 'mean'.

In the pattern 'mean to do something', the verb always has a sense of intention, so a synoym of 'mean' is 'intend'.

I didn't mean to hurt you = I didn't intend to hurt you
Did he mean to shoot or pass? = Did he intend to shoot or pass?
I meant to call you yesterday = I intended to call you (but something happened and I didn't)

The second sense of the verb 'mean' that you seem to be asking about relates to the idea of meaning, or sense. This is usually connected to words in some way.

What does this word mean? = What is the linguistic sense of this word?
What do you mean? = Please say that again, in different words
I meant it when I said you're a great friend = My words were true; I wasn't lying

 

[Rover_KE]

Are you sure you have given us your correct profile information, @gaberlunzie?

 

[Tarheel]

If I say I meant to call you yesterday it was my intention to call you. However, I didn't. I didn't call you. I meant to, but I didn't.

If I say, "I meant what I said" I am saying I was sincere. I was not dishonest. I was expressing my genuine feelings.

Do you see the difference?