pretende
/pre-TEN-deh/
intends
When someone «pretende» (intends) to do something, they have a clear purpose, like this child planning to harvest the tomatoes.
pretende(verb)
intends
?to have as a purpose
,aims
?to strive toward a goal
,plans
?to organize an action
seeks
?formal goal setting
📝 In Action
Ella pretende terminar la carrera este año.
A2She intends to finish her degree this year.
¿Qué pretende usted con esa actitud?
B1What do you aim to achieve with that attitude?
El equipo pretende ganar el campeonato.
A2The team plans to win the championship.
💡 Grammar Points
Verb Form Explained
This word, 'pretende', is the present tense form used with 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), or 'usted' (you, formal). It describes an action happening right now or a general intention.
❌ Common Pitfalls
False Cognate Alert!
Mistake: "Using 'pretende' when you mean 'to pretend' (as in faking or making believe)."
Correction: The correct verb for 'to pretend' in Spanish is *fingir*. 'Pretende' means 'intends' or 'aims'—it's a goal, not a deception.
⭐ Usage Tips
Easy Structure
You can follow 'pretende' directly with another verb in its base form (infinitive): Pretende viajar (He intends to travel).
To «pretende» (claim) is to assert something, like this mouse asserting ownership over the massive cheese wheel.
pretende(verb)
claims
?to assert something, often without proof
,alleges
?formal way of saying 'claims'
maintains
?to hold a position or belief
📝 In Action
El político pretende que sus reformas son las mejores para el país.
B2The politician claims that his reforms are the best for the country.
La empresa pretende no tener responsabilidad en el accidente.
C1The company alleges it has no responsibility for the accident.
💡 Grammar Points
Claiming Facts
When 'pretender' means 'to claim' something is true, it is usually followed by the word 'que' and then a statement about the claim.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
Use this meaning primarily when discussing legal, political, or public statements where the truthfulness of the assertion might be questioned.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pretende
Question 1 of 2
Which English word is the BEST translation for 'pretende' in the sentence: 'Mi hermana pretende estudiar medicina.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'pretende' related to the English word 'pretend'?
Yes, they share the same Latin root, but their meanings have separated. In Spanish, 'pretende' means 'to aim' or 'to intend.' If you want to say 'to pretend' (to fake something), you must use the Spanish verb *fingir*.
How do I know if 'pretende' means 'aims' or 'claims'?
Context is key. If it's followed by an action (like 'pretende viajar'), it means 'aims/intends.' If it's followed by a statement of fact (like 'pretende que es verdad'), especially in formal or legal settings, it means 'claims/alleges.'