Inklingo

How to Say "scheming" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “scheming” is “planeando” — use 'planeando' when referring to making general plans, whether they are simple, complex, or even secret, but without inherently negative or dishonest connotations..

English → Spanish

planeando

plah-neh-AHN-doh/pla.neˈan.do/

verbA2
Use 'planeando' when referring to making general plans, whether they are simple, complex, or even secret, but without inherently negative or dishonest connotations.
A friendly bear character sitting at a wooden table, thoughtfully arranging a series of small, colored, geometric blocks into a sequence, symbolizing planning.

Examples

Estamos planeando una fiesta sorpresa para Juan.

We are planning a surprise party for Juan.

Estamos planeando las vacaciones de verano.

We are planning the summer vacation.

¿Qué estás planeando hacer este fin de semana?

What are you planning to do this weekend?

El arquitecto está planeando la distribución del nuevo edificio.

The architect is designing the layout of the new building.

Using the Gerund

The '-ando' ending tells you the action is currently happening or ongoing. You usually use it right after a form of the verb 'estar' (to be): 'Estamos planeando' means 'We are planning'.

Confusing 'Planear' and 'Hacer planes'

Mistake: “Using 'hacer planeando' to mean 'doing planning'.”

Correction: Use 'planear' directly, or use the noun form: 'Estamos haciendo planes' (We are making plans) or 'Estamos planeando' (We are planning).

tramando

/tra-MAHN-doh//tɾaˈmando/

verbB1informal
Choose 'tramando' when the planning involves deceit, trickery, or a hidden, often negative, agenda.
Two foxes huddled together whispering in a dark forest, looking like they are making a secret plan.

Examples

El villano estaba tramando cómo robar el tesoro.

The villain was scheming how to steal the treasure.

Sé que estás tramando algo.

I know you are up to something.

Los villanos están tramando un plan para escapar.

The villains are plotting a plan to escape.

Algo se está tramando en la oficina.

Something is brewing in the office.

The '-ando' ending

In Spanish, adding '-ando' to a verb root is like adding '-ing' in English. It describes an action that is happening right now, usually paired with the verb 'estar' (to be).

Planning vs. Plotting

Mistake: “Using 'tramando' for simple plans like a grocery list.”

Correction: Use 'planeando' for normal plans. Use 'tramando' for things that are secret, clever, or slightly mischievous.

Confusing Neutral vs. Dishonest Plans

The most common mistake is using 'planeando' when the context clearly implies dishonesty or malice, which is where 'tramando' is the correct choice. Always consider if the 'scheming' carries a negative or underhanded connotation.

Related Translations

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