Inklingo

How to Say "purposes" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fines

FEE-nes/ˈfi.nes/

nounB2formal
Use 'fines' when referring to the official goals, objectives, or aims of an organization, institution, or formal plan.
A small figure standing at the bottom of a hill, looking up at a bright flag planted at the summit, representing a goal.

Examples

Los fines de la organización son promover la educación.

The purposes of the organization are to promote education.

Debemos recordar los fines éticos de la ciencia.

We must remember the ethical aims of science.

Todo lo que hacemos tiene fines comerciales.

Everything we do has commercial ends (or purposes).

Always Plural

This meaning uses the plural 'fines' much more often than the singular 'fin,' especially when discussing goals or intentions.

Confusing 'Fines' and 'Fin'

Mistake: “Using 'el fin' when you mean 'the goals.'”

Correction: Use 'los fines' when talking about aims (Los fines de la reunión). Use 'el fin' when talking about the actual end point (El fin de la película).

intenciones

/in-ten-SYOH-nes//intenˈsjo.nes/

nounB1
Use 'intenciones' when talking about personal goals, plans, or what someone intends to do, especially in a less formal or more personal context.
A colorful illustration showing a long, straight path symbolized by an arrow pointing toward a large flag planted on a green hill, representing a goal or plan.

Examples

Mis intenciones son viajar por todo el continente el próximo año.

My intentions are to travel across the entire continent next year.

¿Cuáles son tus intenciones con este proyecto de ley?

What are your purposes for this bill/law project?

Le pregunté directamente sobre sus intenciones.

I asked him directly about his intentions.

Always Plural in this Sense

Even though the singular 'intención' exists, we usually talk about aims or motives in the plural 'intenciones' when discussing general plans or desires.

Using the Singular for General Aims

Mistake: “Mi intenciónes es viajar.”

Correction: Mis intenciones son viajar. (We use the plural noun 'intenciones' and the plural verb 'son').

Formal vs. Personal Goals

Learners often confuse 'fines' and 'intenciones' by using 'fines' for personal plans or 'intenciones' for official organizational goals. Remember that 'fines' is typically for formal, established objectives, while 'intenciones' leans towards personal aspirations.

Related Translations

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