Inklingo

How to Say "i intend" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i intend” is “pienso” — use 'pienso' when you are expressing a general thought or belief about a future action, often similar to 'I think' or 'I reckon' in English..

English → Spanish

pienso

/pyen-so//ˈpjen.so/

verbA1general
Use 'pienso' when you are expressing a general thought or belief about a future action, often similar to 'I think' or 'I reckon' in English.
A young person sitting alone, resting their chin on their hand, looking contemplative. A stylized question mark floats inside a thought bubble above their head, symbolizing the action of thinking.

Examples

Pienso que voy a estudiar español este año.

I think I'm going to study Spanish this year.

Pienso que va a llover.

I think it's going to rain.

Pienso en ti todos los días.

I think about you every day.

Pienso viajar a México el próximo año.

I plan to travel to Mexico next year.

The 'Boot Verb' Change

The base verb 'pensar' is a 'boot verb'. The 'e' changes to 'ie' for 'yo', 'tú', 'él/ella', and 'ellos/ellas' (the shapes in a verb chart that look like a boot), but not for 'nosotros' or 'vosotros'. Notice: 'pienso' but 'pensamos'.

Thinking 'that' vs. Thinking 'about'

Use 'pienso que' to share an opinion ('Pienso que es fácil' - I think that it's easy). Use 'pienso en' to say what's on your mind ('Pienso en mis vacaciones' - I'm thinking about my vacation).

Using 'sobre' instead of 'en'

Mistake: “Pienso sobre mi familia.”

Correction: To say you're thinking 'about' someone or something, always use 'en'. The correct way is: 'Pienso en mi familia'.

pretendo

/preh-TEN-doh//pɾeˈtendo/

verbA2general
Use 'pretendo' to clearly state a specific goal, plan, or serious intention that you aim to achieve.
A hiker standing at the bottom of a trail, looking up at a distant mountain peak with determination.

Examples

Pretendo viajar a Sudamérica el próximo verano.

I intend to travel to South America next summer.

Pretendo terminar el libro esta noche.

I intend to finish the book tonight.

No pretendo molestarte, solo quiero ayudar.

I don't intend to bother you, I just want to help.

Using Verbs After Pretendo

When you want to say 'I intend to [do something]', just follow 'pretendo' with the base form (infinitive) of the second verb, like 'pretendo viajar' (I intend to travel).

The False Friend Trap

Mistake: “Using 'pretendo' to mean 'I'm acting' or 'I'm faking'.”

Correction: Use 'finjo' for 'I pretend/fake'. 'Pretendo' almost always means 'I intend' or 'I plan'.

Pienso vs. Pretendo

Learners often confuse 'pienso' and 'pretendo' by using 'pienso' for firm plans. Remember, 'pienso' is more about a thought or prediction, while 'pretendo' signals a more determined intention or goal.

Related Translations

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