intenciones
“intenciones” means “intentions” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
intentions, purposes
Also: designs
📝 In Action
Mis intenciones son viajar por todo el continente el próximo año.
B1My intentions are to travel across the entire continent next year.
¿Cuáles son tus intenciones con este proyecto de ley?
B2What are your purposes for this bill/law project?
Le pregunté directamente sobre sus intenciones.
B1I asked him directly about his intentions.
motives
Also: ulterior motives
📝 In Action
El camino al infierno está empedrado de buenas intenciones.
C1The road to hell is paved with good intentions. (A common proverb)
Sus intenciones ocultas eran obtener el control de la empresa.
B2His hidden motives were to gain control of the company.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "intenciones" in Spanish:
designs→intentions→motives→purposes→ulterior motives→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: intenciones
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'intenciones' to refer to a person's hidden motives?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *intentio*, which meant 'stretching out' or 'aiming,' referring to the mind focusing on a goal. It passed into Spanish as 'intención' and is used here in its plural form.
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'intenciones' and 'propósitos'?
'Intenciones' usually refers to the internal desire or plan behind an action (the 'why'). 'Propósitos' often refers to a more defined, formal goal or resolution (the 'what'), especially a moral or serious one.
Is 'intenciones' usually positive or negative?
It is neutral, but context often makes it lean one way. If used alone, speakers often assume you are questioning the person's 'good faith.' If you want to be clear, always use an adjective: 'buenas intenciones' (good) or 'malas intenciones' (bad).