Inklingo

How to Say "to intend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pensar

/pen-sar//penˈsaɾ/

verbB1general
Use `pensar` when you are considering or planning something, often implying it's a thought that has crossed your mind or a general future intention.
A child sitting at a desk, focused intently on a large map showing a clear, drawn path leading directly to a mountain peak, symbolizing a plan.

Examples

Pienso viajar a México el próximo verano.

I plan to travel to Mexico next summer.

¿Piensas ir a la fiesta esta noche?

Are you planning to go to the party tonight?

Pensábamos salir, pero empezó a llover.

We were planning to go out, but it started to rain.

Structure for Plans: 'pensar' + action verb

To talk about your plans, just put the base form of the action verb (like 'viajar', 'comer', 'ir') right after 'pensar'. It's that simple! Example: 'Pienso estudiar más' (I plan to study more).

Adding an extra word

Mistake: “Pienso a viajar. or Pienso de viajar.”

Correction: No extra word is needed between 'pensar' and the next verb. Just say: 'Pienso viajar.'

pretender

/pre-ten-DARE//pɾetenˈdeɾ/

verbB1general
Choose `pretender` when you have a specific, often ambitious, goal or plan that you are actively working towards or aiming to achieve.
A person looking at a mountain peak with a backpack, ready to start their climb.

Examples

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?

Intent vs. Make-Believe

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

False Friend Warning

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'.

querer

keh-REHR/keˈɾeɾ/

verbB1general
Use `querer` when the intention refers to a desire, an aim, or an attempt to do something, especially when the outcome is uncertain or the action was not successful.
A determined hiker stands at the beginning of a clear, winding path that leads toward a sunny mountain peak in the distance, symbolizing their purpose.

Examples

Quiso arreglar el coche pero no pudo.

He tried to fix the car but he couldn't.

Este proyecto quiere mucho esfuerzo.

This project requires a lot of effort.

Querían entrar a la fuerza.

They attempted to enter by force.

Past Tense and Attempt

When used in the simple past (preterite: quise, quiso), 'querer' often shifts meaning from 'wanted' to 'tried' or 'attempted,' especially when the outcome was unsuccessful.

Overuse for 'Try'

Mistake: “Quiero probar el nuevo café.”

Correction: Intento probar el nuevo café. (Use 'intentar' or 'tratar de' when the focus is purely on the action of 'trying' something out, not 'wanting' to.)

Pensar vs. Pretender

Learners often confuse `pensar` and `pretender`. Remember that `pensar` is more about a general thought or plan, while `pretender` implies a more determined goal or ambition you are actively pursuing.

Related Translations

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