Fun Easy English Classroom October 14
 
 
 
 

Classroom
Today


Learn American
English reduction
donno
American English Reduction "donno"

Today in the Fun Easy English classroom you are going to learn "donno" an American English reduction.
Hey if you cannot understand something on this page,
then use the Fun Easy English dictionary (opens in a new window)
Quick Links
Months Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec October
Dates 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31  
Reductions: "donno"

American English reductions are reduced forms of English words.
  • This American English reduction is formed when you combine and reduce the following words.
  • donno = do + not + know
  • This American English reduction is used in the following way.
  • I really donno the answer to the question.
  • This American English reduction has the following meaning.
  • I really do not know the answer to the question.
Examples: "donno"
  • I donno what you are talking about.
  • (Meaning: I do not know what you are talking about.)
  • I donno if this is the correct way to do this.
  • (Meaning: I do not know if this is the correct way to do this.)
  • I donno if you realize what you said.
  • (Meaning: I do not know if you realize what you said.)
  • I donno if she wants to go out on a date.
  • (Meaning: I do not know if she wants to go out on a date.)
  • I donno if this is going to work.
  • (Meaning: I do not know if this is going to work.)
Fun Easy English Reductions Lessons
From YOUR Teacher: Donno and Dunno

English language reductions for do not know can be spelled like donno and also like dunno which is introduced in another lesson.
Note: Reductions

Remember the following:
  • Reductions are reduced forms of English words.
  • Reductions, such as donno are not real words in English.
  • You need to use reductions in order to sound more natural.
  • You need to know reductions in order to understand conversations between native English speakers.
  • Reductions are used extensively in American TV, movies, music, literature, and in conversations among native English speakers.
Reductions In Music and TV


The Georgia Satellites - I Dunno

The Georgia Satellites are an American Southern rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. They're best known for their 1986 No. 2 U.S. single "Keep Your Hands to Yourself". In 1980, Dan Baird (formerly guitarist for the Atlanta band the Nasty Bucks), along with lead guitarist Rick Richards, bassist Keith Christopher and drummer David Michaelson formed a band named Keith and the Satellites in Atlanta, Georgia. After performing in local bars, the band's line-up changed. With a new bassist, Dave Hewitt (previously with Babe Ruth), and a new drummer, Randy DeLay, they recorded a six-track demo at Axis Studios in Atlanta. During this time, the band changed its name to Georgia Satellites and played every Monday at Hedgens, a bar in the Atlanta neighborhood of Buckhead.

This video is a good example of the usage of "donno, dunno" English language reductions.

Use a dictionary to look up words you do not understand.
Lyrics

Good to see ya back again
In the land of salvation and sin
You know sometimes, I get so lonely
Good to see that look on your face
I always held a special place
You might say, for your eyes only
I say good times bad times I dunno
Just pick up the dice and baby let 'em roll
It's the end of the line nowhere to go
I said good times bad times I dunno
Cause your totally emotionally abused
Spiritually impoverished and moral destitute
Step right up your table's waitin'
I thought you were long gone
I see now that I was all wrong
Oh really, please don't you be so blatant
Good times bad times I dunno
Just pick up the dice and baby let 'em roll
It's the end of the line nowhere to go
Good times bad times I dunno
Rock your ass and bash your skull
That's another thing never bluff
And you're dancin' with some pretty little juvenile delinquent
Take the one standin' right over there
Yeah the thing with the short black hair
The pink pants, black boots, nudie jacket with the silver sequins
Good times bad times I dunno
Just pick up the dice and baby let 'em roll
It's the end of the line nowhere to go
Good times bad times I dunno
I dunno
I dunno
I dunno
I dunno
I just dunno
 
Additional Information
Study Tips
(Beginner - Listening)

Avoid Ineffective Study Methods. An audio lesson to help you study English more effectively. The English is spoken at 75% of normal speed. Great English study tips.
Click here to visit the lesson page with the written script for this audio program.