Inklingo

How to Say "aimed at" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dirigido

dee-ree-HEE-dohdiɾiˈxiðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'dirigido' when specifying the intended recipient, audience, or target group for something like an advertisement, a course, or a message.
A child's gift wrapped in colorful paper with a drawing of a small child on the tag, showing it is intended for them.

Examples

Este curso está dirigido a principiantes.

This course is aimed at beginners.

Este anuncio está dirigido a estudiantes universitarios.

This ad is aimed at university students.

Fue un comentario dirigido a su hermano.

It was a comment addressed to his brother.

Matching the Noun

Because this is used as a description, it must match the gender of the thing it describes. If you are talking about a letter (la carta), use 'dirigida'.

Using the wrong connector

Mistake: “dirigido para”

Correction: dirigido a

encaminado

en-ka-mee-NAH-dohenka.miˈna.ðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'encaminado' to describe a project, plan, or goal that is progressing well or is on the right track toward completion.
A small red bird flying confidently along a clear, winding path through a bright green forest.

Examples

El equipo está bien encaminado para terminar el informe a tiempo.

The team is well on its way to finishing the report on time.

No te preocupes, el proyecto ya está bien encaminado.

Don't worry, the project is already well on its way.

Sus esfuerzos están encaminados a mejorar la educación.

His efforts are aimed at improving education.

Si sigues por esa calle, vas bien encaminado al centro.

If you keep going down that street, you are headed the right way to the center.

Matching the Gender

Since this word acts as a description, its ending must change to match what you are talking about: 'un niño encaminado' but 'una solución encaminada'.

Using with 'Estar'

We usually use 'estar' with this word because it describes the current state or progress of something.

Don't confuse with 'walking'

Mistake: “Estoy encaminado al parque (meaning 'I am walking to the park').”

Correction: Estoy caminando al parque.

Audience vs. Progress

The most common mistake is using 'dirigido' when you mean something is progressing well. Remember, 'dirigido' points to a recipient or audience, while 'encaminado' refers to the forward movement or status of a task or goal.

Related Translations

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