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propósito

proh-POH-see-tohpɾoˈposito

“propósito” means “purpose” in Spanish (reason for existence or action).

purpose, intention

Also: aim, objective
NounmA2
Mexico
A bright red arrow flying directly and purposefully towards the center of a large, yellow and blue bullseye target painted on a plain wall.

📝 In Action

¿Cuál es tu propósito en la vida?

A2

What is your purpose in life?

Mi propósito para el próximo año es hacer más ejercicio.

A2

My resolution/goal for next year is to exercise more.

Hizo un esfuerzo con el propósito de mejorar sus notas.

B1

He made an effort with the intention of improving his grades.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • intención (intention)
  • objetivo (objective)
  • meta (goal, finish line)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • Propósito de Año Nuevo – New Year's Resolution
  • Con el propósito de – With the aim of
  • Tener un propósito – To have a purpose

Idioms & Expressions

  • A propósito – On purpose (deliberately)
  • A propósito (de algo) – By the way; incidentally (used to change topic in conversation)

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: propósito

Question 1 of 1

If you want to say you did something intentionally, which phrase should you use?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
proponer(to propose, to suggest) — Verb
proponerse(to intend, to resolve to do something) — Verb
propuesta(proposal, suggestion) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
depósitopósito
📚 Etymology▼

This word comes from the Latin term *propositum*, meaning 'that which is set forth' or 'a plan.' It is built from the prefix *pro-* (forward, before) and *positum* (placed or set). So, a 'propósito' is literally something placed out in front of you as a goal.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: propositoPortuguese: propósito

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'By the way' using 'propósito'?

Use the phrase 'A propósito' (pronounced ah proh-POH-see-toh) at the start of your sentence to introduce a new, unrelated topic in a casual conversation.

Is 'propósito' used for personal goals or professional goals?

Both! It works for big life goals ('el propósito de la vida') and for smaller, personal resolutions ('un propósito de ejercicio'). For very specific, quantifiable work targets, 'objetivo' is sometimes preferred, but 'propósito' is always understood.