contraction
Very common
wanna
WAH-nuh
Wanna (contraction) means an informal spoken contraction of "want to.". Example: “I don't wanna go to the party if you aren't going.”
contraction
1
An informal spoken contraction of "want to."
"I don't wanna go to the party if you aren't going."
"What do you wanna do this weekend, stay in or go out?"
"Do you wanna come with us tonight?"
2
An informal spoken contraction of "want a."
"Hey, I wanna slice of that cake before it all disappears."
"Honestly, I just wanna cup of tea and a quiet sit-down."
"I wanna coffee before we leave."
How to use wanna
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe casual, spoken-style way of writing "want to" or "want a."
When to use it
Very informal — fine in texting or dialogue, avoid in formal writing.
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Etymology
A written approximation of casual spoken speech, recorded in print as early as the 1820s, reflecting how "want to" naturally runs together in fast conversation.
Class of 1820
wanna joined the language around 1820.
See the full Class of 1820 →
Synonyms
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Rhymes for wanna
See all rhymes for wanna →Frequently asked questions
What does “wanna” mean?
The word “wanna” means an informal spoken contraction of "want to.". In plain terms, the casual, spoken-style way of writing "want to" or "want a.".
How do you pronounce “wanna”?
“Wanna” is pronounced WAH-nuh (/ˈwɑ.nə/ in IPA).
How do you use “wanna” in a sentence?
Here is “wanna” used in a sentence: “Do you wanna come with us tonight?”
What part of speech is “wanna”?
“Wanna” is a contraction.
Where does the word “wanna” come from?
The word “wanna” dates back to around 1820. A written approximation of casual spoken speech, recorded in print as early as the 1820s, reflecting how "want to" naturally runs together in fast conversation.
Is “wanna” a common word?
“Wanna” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “wanna” have?
“Wanna” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an informal spoken contraction of "want to.".
What is the difference between wanna and want to?
They mean exactly the same thing; only the register differs. 'Wanna' is a relaxed spelling of how 'want to' sounds in casual speech. 'Want to' is the standard form suitable everywhere, while 'wanna' belongs to conversation, texting, and song lyrics rather than formal or professional writing.
Is 'wanna' a real word?
It is a widely understood informal contraction, and dictionaries do record it, but it is not accepted in formal English. Use it freely in chatty speech, messages, or dialogue to sound natural, and switch to 'want to' for essays, reports, emails, and anything that needs a polished tone.
When should you avoid using 'wanna'?
Steer clear of it in any formal or professional setting: job applications, academic essays, business emails, official documents, and reports. Because it signals very casual speech, it can read as sloppy where correctness matters. In those cases the full 'want to' is always the safer, clearer choice.
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