verb
Very common
gonna
guhn-uh
Gonna (verb) means informal contraction of "going to," used to describe something planned for the near future. Example: “I'm gonna call you later tonight.”
verb
1
Informal contraction of "going to," used to describe something planned for the near future.
"I'm gonna call you later tonight."
"It's gonna rain soon."
"We're gonna be late if we don't leave right now."
How to use gonna
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe everyday spoken shortcut for "going to."
When to use it
Strictly informal — fine in speech and texting, avoid in formal writing.
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Etymology
A casual contraction of "going to," attested since the early 20th century, reflecting the common dropping of the "g" sound in relaxed speech.
Class of 1900
gonna joined the language around 1900.
See the full Class of 1900 →
Synonyms
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going to
about to
planning to
set to
intending to
Related words
Rhymes for gonna
See all rhymes for gonna →Frequently asked questions
What does “gonna” mean?
The word “gonna” means informal contraction of "going to," used to describe something planned for the near future. In plain terms, the everyday spoken shortcut for "going to.".
How do you pronounce “gonna”?
“Gonna” is pronounced guhn-uh (/ˈɡʌn.ə/ in IPA).
How do you use “gonna” in a sentence?
Here is “gonna” used in a sentence: “I'm gonna call you later tonight.”
What part of speech is “gonna”?
“Gonna” is a verb.
Where does the word “gonna” come from?
The word “gonna” dates back to around 1900. A casual contraction of "going to," attested since the early 20th century, reflecting the common dropping of the "g" sound in relaxed speech.
Is “gonna” a common word?
“Gonna” is a very common word in modern English.
Is "gonna" a real word?
Yes, "gonna" is a recognized informal word, listed in major dictionaries as a spoken contraction of "going to." It reflects how the phrase actually sounds in relaxed speech. It is perfectly natural in conversation, texts, and casual writing, but it is not suitable for formal or professional documents.
When should you avoid using "gonna"?
Avoid "gonna" in formal writing — essays, business emails, reports, and anything professional — where "going to" is expected. It is fine in casual chat, messaging, song lyrics, and dialogue. As a rule, if the setting calls for careful, standard English, spell it out as "going to" instead.
What is the difference between "gonna" and "wanna"?
Both are informal contractions, but they shorten different phrases. "Gonna" stands for "going to," describing something planned — "I'm gonna leave." "Wanna" stands for "want to," describing a desire — "I wanna leave." A related form is "gotta" for "got to." All belong to casual speech rather than formal writing.
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