How to Say "to aim" in Spanish

The Spanish word for “to aim” is “pretender” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB1

pretender

verbB1

striving for a specific result

Pretendo terminar mi carrera este año.

I intend to finish my degree this year.

¿Qué pretendes con ese comentario?

What are you aiming for with that comment?

Unlike the English word 'pretend,' this Spanish word usually means you have a goal or intention, not that you are playing make-believe.

Mistake: “Using 'pretender' to mean 'to act like a pirate' or 'to play-act'.”

Correction: Use 'aparentar' (to seem) or 'hacerse el' (to act like) for English-style 'pretending'. Use 'pretender' when you mean 'I plan to'.

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