Inklingo

How to Say "to design" in Spanish

English → Spanish

inventar

/een-ben-TAR//imbenˈtaɾ/

verbA2general
Use 'inventar' when you are creating something original or novel that did not exist before, like an invention.
A friendly inventor in a workshop holding a unique, glowing mechanical gadget with gears and light bulbs.

Examples

El científico inventó una nueva vacuna.

The scientist invented a new vaccine.

Thomas Edison inventó la bombilla.

Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb.

Quiero inventar una aplicación para aprender idiomas.

I want to invent an app for learning languages.

A Friendly Regular Verb

Inventar follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in 'ar,' which makes it one of the easiest groups to conjugate!

Inventing vs. Discovering

Mistake: “Using 'inventar' for things that already existed.”

Correction: Use 'descubrir' (to discover) for things that were already there but hidden, like a new planet or a chemical element. Use 'inventar' for things you create from scratch.

planear

/plah-neh-AHR//pla.neˈar/

verbA2general
Use 'planear' when you are making detailed arrangements or outlining the steps for a future event or project.
A person looking at a large colorful map spread out on a table with small wooden markers.

Examples

Estamos planeando el diseño de nuestra nueva casa.

We are planning the design of our new house.

Estamos planeando una fiesta sorpresa para Julia.

We are planning a surprise party for Julia.

Necesito planear mi semana con antelación.

I need to plan my week in advance.

Using 'Planear' with Other Verbs

When you want to say you are planning 'to do' something, just put the next verb in its base form (the infinitive). For example: 'Planeo viajar' (I plan to travel).

Don't add 'a'

Mistake: “Planeo a ir al cine.”

Correction: Planeo ir al cine. Unlike some other Spanish verbs, planear doesn't need a connector like 'a' before the next action.

Inventar vs. Planear

Learners often confuse 'inventar' and 'planear' when translating 'to design'. Remember that 'inventar' implies originality and creation, while 'planear' refers to the process of outlining and organizing steps for something that will be built or executed.

Related Translations

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