Inklingo

destino

/des-TEE-no/

destination

A winding path clearly leading towards a bright, welcoming lighthouse on a distant hill, symbolizing the final stop of a journey.

The lighthouse represents the final 'destination' (destino) of a long journey.

destino(Noun)

mA2

destination

?

The place you are traveling to

Also:

purpose

?

The intended use for an object or money

,

end

?

The final point or goal

📝 In Action

Nuestro destino final es la playa.

A2

Our final destination is the beach.

El paquete por fin llegó a su destino.

B1

The package finally arrived at its destination.

El dinero tiene un destino específico: la educación de mis hijos.

B2

The money has a specific purpose: my children's education.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • llegada (arrival point)
  • meta (goal)
  • fin (end)

Antonyms

  • origen (origin)
  • punto de partida (starting point)

Common Collocations

  • con destino abound for / heading to
  • llegar al destinoto arrive at the destination
  • cambiar de destinoto change destination

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'con destino a'

This phrase is very common in travel announcements. For example, 'El tren con destino a Sevilla sale en cinco minutos' means 'The train bound for Seville leaves in five minutes'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Destino vs. Dirección

Mistake: "Mi destino es Calle Sol, número 5."

Correction: Mi dirección es Calle Sol, número 5. Use 'dirección' for a specific street address and 'destino' for the general city, place, or goal you're going to.

⭐ Usage Tips

More than just travel

While often about travel, you can also talk about the 'destino' of an object or money, meaning its intended use or purpose. It's a slightly more formal way to say 'uso' (use).

A young person standing at the start of a clear, straight, illuminated paved path that stretches far into the distance towards a massive, distinct mountain peak.

This illustration shows a defined path leading to an inevitable future, symbolizing 'destiny' (destino).

destino(Noun)

mB1

destiny

?

A predetermined course of events

,

fate

?

The power believed to control the future

Also:

lot

?

As in, 'one's lot in life'

📝 In Action

Creo que nuestro destino era conocernos.

B1

I think it was our destiny to meet each other.

Aceptó su destino con valentía.

B2

He accepted his fate with bravery.

Nadie puede escapar de su destino.

B1

No one can escape their destiny.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • suerte (luck, fate)
  • hado (fate (more poetic))
  • fortuna (fortune)

Antonyms

  • casualidad (coincidence, chance)
  • libre albedrío (free will)

Common Collocations

  • creer en el destinoto believe in destiny
  • el destino quiso que...fate would have it that...
  • unir destinosto unite destinies (often romantically)

Idioms & Expressions

  • un golpe del destinoA stroke of fate, a sudden and unexpected event that changes things.
  • jugar con el destinoTo take big risks; to play with fire.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Destino vs. Suerte

Mistake: "Gané la lotería, fue mi destino."

Correction: Gané la lotería, ¡qué suerte! While related, 'suerte' (luck) is more about random chance, good or bad. 'Destino' implies a grand, unavoidable plan or path.

⭐ Usage Tips

For big ideas

This meaning of 'destino' is perfect for talking about life, love, and major events. It adds a touch of drama or romance to what you're saying.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: destino

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'destino' to mean 'destination' (a place you're going)?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the real difference between 'destino' (destiny) and 'suerte' (luck)?

Think of 'destino' as a movie script that's already written – it’s a grand plan or an unavoidable path. 'Suerte' is more like rolling dice – it's random chance that can be good ('buena suerte') or bad ('mala suerte') in any given moment. You believe in 'destino', but you have 'suerte'.

Can I use 'destino' for my house address?

Not usually. For your specific street and number, you should use 'dirección'. You could say your house is your 'destino' for the day, meaning it's the place you're headed, but if someone asks for your address, they want your 'dirección'.