Inklingo

How to Say "aim" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “aim” is “meta” — use 'meta' for a personal aspiration or a long-term goal you are striving to achieve..

meta🔊A1

Use 'meta' for a personal aspiration or a long-term goal you are striving to achieve.

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objetivo🔊A2

Use 'objetivo' for a clear, specific target or objective that you are trying to accomplish, often in a project or plan.

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propósitoA2

Use 'propósito' to refer to the underlying reason or purpose behind an action or your life in general.

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intenciónA2

Use 'intención' for a specific plan or intention you have, focusing on what you plan to do.

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fin🔊B1

Use 'fin' to describe the ultimate end or final outcome that a plan or action is designed to achieve.

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objeto🔊B1

Use 'objeto' to mean the specific goal or target, often in a more formal or legal context.

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mira🔊B2

Use 'mira' specifically when referring to the sight of a weapon or a physical aiming device.

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pulso🔊A2

Use 'pulso' to describe steadiness of hand or precision, especially in a physical task requiring control.

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English → Spanish

meta

MEH-tah/ˈme.ta/

nounA1general
Use 'meta' for a personal aspiration or a long-term goal you are striving to achieve.
A simple red and white bullseye target placed on a stand in a green field, symbolizing an objective.

Examples

Mi meta es hablar español fluidamente este año.

My goal is to speak Spanish fluently this year.

Necesitamos establecer metas claras para el proyecto.

We need to establish clear objectives for the project.

Lograr esta meta será un gran éxito.

Achieving this goal will be a great success.

Always Feminine

'Meta' is a feminine noun, so you must always use feminine words like 'la' or 'una' before it, even though it looks like some masculine nouns that end in '-a' (like 'el problema').

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer una meta.”

Correction: Establecer/Fijar una meta. (Use 'to establish' or 'to set' instead of 'to make' for goals.)

objetivo

ohb-heh-TEE-voh/oβ.xeˈti.βo/

nounA2general
Use 'objetivo' for a clear, specific target or objective that you are trying to accomplish, often in a project or plan.
A simplified character standing on the summit of a mountain with arms raised in triumph, symbolizing achieving a goal.

Examples

Mi objetivo principal este año es aprender a cocinar.

My main goal this year is to learn how to cook.

Necesitamos un plan claro para alcanzar el objetivo.

We need a clear plan to reach the objective.

El equipo no pudo cumplir con el objetivo de ventas trimestral.

The team could not meet the quarterly sales target.

Masculine Noun

Even though it ends in '-o', 'objetivo' is always masculine (el objetivo, un objetivo) when it means a goal or aim.

Using 'objetivo' instead of 'propósito'

Mistake: “Mi objetivo en la vida es ser feliz.”

Correction: Mi propósito en la vida es ser feliz. (Propósito is usually better for big, overarching life intentions; objetivo is better for specific, measurable tasks.)

propósito

nounA2general
Use 'propósito' to refer to the underlying reason or purpose behind an action or your life in general.

Examples

¿Cuál es tu propósito en la vida?

What is your purpose in life?

intención

nounA2general
Use 'intención' for a specific plan or intention you have, focusing on what you plan to do.

Examples

Mi intención es viajar por Sudamérica el próximo año.

My intention is to travel through South America next year.

fin

/feen//ˈfin/

nounB1general
Use 'fin' to describe the ultimate end or final outcome that a plan or action is designed to achieve.
A brightly colored, simple arrow hitting the exact center of a bullseye target, illustrating the concept of a defined goal or purpose.

Examples

El fin de este proyecto es ayudar a la comunidad.

The purpose of this project is to help the community.

Trabajo mucho con el fin de darle un buen futuro a mis hijos.

I work a lot in order to give my children a good future.

Es una organización sin fines de lucro.

It's a non-profit organization.

Connector: 'con el fin de'

The phrase 'con el fin de' is a connector that means 'in order to'. It explains the purpose of an action and must be followed by a verb in its basic '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form (the infinitive). For example: 'Estudio para aprender' (I study to learn).

Overusing 'con el fin de'

Mistake: “Voy a la tienda con el fin de comprar leche.”

Correction: Voy a la tienda para comprar leche. 'Con el fin de' is a bit more formal than the simple word 'para'. For everyday situations like going to the store, 'para' sounds much more natural. Save 'con el fin de' for when you want to sound more formal or official.

objeto

oh-BHEH-toh/oˈβxeto/

nounB1formal
Use 'objeto' to mean the specific goal or target, often in a more formal or legal context.
An arrow perfectly hitting the center bullseye of a colorful archery target, symbolizing purpose or a goal achieved.

Examples

El objeto de la ley es proteger a los consumidores.

The purpose of the law is to protect consumers.

Nuestro único objeto es terminar el proyecto a tiempo.

Our sole aim is to finish the project on time.

Formal Use

When 'objeto' means 'purpose,' it often appears in phrases like 'el objeto de...' (the purpose of...). This usage is generally reserved for written reports or serious discussions.

mira

/MEE-rah//ˈmi.ɾa/

nounB2specific
Use 'mira' specifically when referring to the sight of a weapon or a physical aiming device.
The sights on a rifle used for aiming at a distant target.

Examples

El cazador ajustó la mira de su rifle.

The hunter adjusted the sight of his rifle.

Tiene la mira puesta en ganar el campeonato.

He has his sights set on winning the championship.

Always Feminine: 'la mira'

When used as a noun, 'mira' is always a feminine word. You'll always see it with 'la' or 'una', like 'la mira' (the sight) or 'una mira telescópica' (a telescopic sight).

pulso

POOL-sohˈpulso

nounA2specific
Use 'pulso' to describe steadiness of hand or precision, especially in a physical task requiring control.
A close-up illustration of a hand holding a fine paintbrush, demonstrating a steady hand while painting a precise, thin line.

Examples

El cirujano tiene un pulso increíblemente firme.

The surgeon has an incredibly steady hand.

Necesitas buen pulso para escribir esa letra tan pequeña.

You need a steady hand to write such tiny lettering.

Using 'Tener'

To say someone has a steady hand, use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tienes buen pulso' (You have a steady hand).

Confusing Goals and Intentions

Learners often confuse 'objetivo'/'meta' with 'intención' and 'propósito'. Remember that 'objetivo' and 'meta' refer to the desired result or achievement, while 'intención' is about your plan to get there, and 'propósito' is the underlying reason or justification.

Related Translations

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