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How to Say "intended" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “intended” is “planeado” — use this when referring to something that has been arranged or scheduled in advance, like an event or an activity..

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planeado

/pla-ne-A-do//pla.neˈa.ðo/

AdjectiveA2General
Use this when referring to something that has been arranged or scheduled in advance, like an event or an activity.
A cheerful builder standing next to a perfectly marked foundation outline for a small house, holding a rolled-up architectural plan, emphasizing general preparation and arrangement.

Examples

La excursión planeada para mañana fue cancelada por la lluvia.

The excursion planned for tomorrow was canceled due to the rain.

Su discurso fue muy planeado, no dijo nada espontáneo.

His speech was very planned; he didn't say anything spontaneous.

Tenemos unas vacaciones planeadas en la playa para agosto.

We have a planned vacation at the beach for August.

Agreement Rule

As an adjective, 'planeado' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'planeada' (f. singular), 'planeados' (m. plural), 'planeadas' (f. plural).

Adjective Placement

It usually comes after the noun it describes, emphasizing that the noun has the quality of being planned: 'la boda planeada' (the planned wedding).

Ignoring Gender

Mistake: “La fiesta planeado.”

Correction: La fiesta planeada. (Since 'fiesta' is feminine, the adjective must also be feminine.)

pretendía

VerbB1General
Use this verb form when talking about a past goal, aim, or what you meant to do or say.

Examples

Yo no pretendía ofenderte con mi comentario.

I didn't intend to offend you with my comment.

destinado

dess-tee-NAH-doh/des.tiˈna.ðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Choose this word when something is designated or allocated for a specific purpose, use, or recipient.
A transparent glass jar shaped like a large smiling cookie, clearly intended for holding baked goods, sitting on a wooden kitchen counter.

Examples

Esta sala está destinada a reuniones importantes.

This room is intended for important meetings.

La ayuda económica está destinada a las familias afectadas por la tormenta.

The economic aid is earmarked for the families affected by the storm.

Parece que estamos destinados a encontrarnos una y otra vez.

It seems we are destined to meet again and again.

Agreement Rule

As an adjective, 'destinado' must change its ending to match the noun it describes in number (singular/plural) and gender (masculine/feminine): 'destinada', 'destinados', 'destinadas'.

Always Use 'a'

When saying what something is intended for, always use the preposition 'a' (to/for) right after 'destinado'.

Forgetting Gender Agreement

Mistake: “La carta está destinado a ti.”

Correction: La carta está destinada a ti. (Since 'carta' is feminine, the adjective must be 'destinada'.)

pensado

/pen-SAH-doh//penˈsa.ðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use this when describing something that was carefully considered or thought out, implying a deliberate decision.
A towering, perfectly stable structure made entirely of colorful, interlocking wooden blocks, showing meticulous planning and design.

Examples

Fue una decisión muy pensada.

It was a very well-considered decision.

Este programa está pensado para principiantes.

This program is designed for beginners.

Cada movimiento del ladrón era frío y pensado.

Every movement of the thief was cold and deliberate.

Matching the Noun

When 'pensado' is used to describe something, it must match that thing in gender and number. If the noun is feminine, use 'pensada'. For example: 'una decisión pensada' (a thought-out decision).

Forgetting to Change the Ending

Mistake: “La estrategia está pensado para expertos.”

Correction: La estrategia está pensada para expertos. Because 'estrategia' is a feminine word, you need to use the feminine form 'pensada' to describe it.

futura

/foo-TOO-rah//fuˈtuɾa/

NounB1Formal/Archaic
This is an old-fashioned or specific term used to refer to one's future spouse, particularly a fiancée.
A woman wearing a white dress and holding a bouquet of flowers.

Examples

Te presento a mi futura.

Let me introduce you to my fiancée / future wife.

Shortened meaning

When used as a noun, 'la futura' is actually a shortcut for 'la futura esposa' (the future wife).

Confusing 'planeado' and 'pretendía'

Learners often confuse 'planeado' (planned event) with 'pretendía' (past intention). Remember, 'planeado' is for scheduled activities, while 'pretendía' describes what someone aimed to do or achieve.

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