Inklingo

How to Say "to plot" in Spanish

English → Spanish

planear

plah-neh-AHRpla.neˈar

verbA2
Use 'planear' for general planning, including secret schemes that are not necessarily malicious, like surprise parties.
A person looking at a large colorful map spread out on a table with small wooden markers.

Examples

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.

tramar

tra-MARtɾaˈmaɾ

verbB1
Use 'tramar' specifically for hatching or devising a secret, often negative or illicit, plan.
A group of three foxes whispering together in a dark corner with shadows.

Examples

Los villanos están tramando un plan para robar el banco.

The villains are plotting a plan to rob the bank.

¿Qué están tramando ustedes dos en la cocina?

What are you two up to in the kitchen?

Ella tramó una sorpresa increíble para el cumpleaños de su madre.

She hatched an incredible surprise for her mother's birthday.

Direct Action

You don't need a connector word like 'at' or 'about' after tramar. You simply tramar something directly, like 'tramar un plan'.

Regular Pattern

This verb follows the standard -ar pattern perfectly, so if you know how to conjugate 'hablar', you already know how to conjugate 'tramar'!

Confusion with 'Traer'

Mistake: “Yo traigo un plan.”

Correction: Yo tramo un plan. 'Traer' means to bring, while 'tramar' means to plot or design a plan.

maquinar

mah-kee-NARmakiˈnaɾ

verbB2
Use 'maquinar' for secretly planning something, especially something complex or wicked, implying a degree of cunning.
Two foxes wearing cloaks whispering to each other in a dark corner.

Examples

Los villanos están maquinando un plan para escapar.

The villains are plotting a plan to escape.

Lleva semanas maquinando cómo pedirle un aumento a su jefe.

She has been scheming for weeks about how to ask her boss for a raise.

Es peligroso dejar que ese hombre maquine en silencio.

It is dangerous to let that man plot in silence.

A perfectly regular verb

This verb follows the standard rules for all verbs ending in -ar. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar' or 'caminar,' you already know how to conjugate 'maquinar'!

Using 'something'

In Spanish, you usually 'maquinar' something (like a plan or a lie). It doesn't typically stand alone without mentioning what you are plotting.

The Makeup Mix-up

Mistake: “Yo maquino mi cara todas las mañanas.”

Correction: Yo me maquillo la cara todas las mañanas.

conspirar

kohn-spee-RAHRkonspiˈɾaɾ

verbB2
Use 'conspirar' when the plotting involves actively scheming or working together against someone or a group, often with political or rebellious undertones.
Three people wearing dark cloaks huddled together in a circle, whispering in a dimly lit room.

Examples

Los rebeldes empezaron a conspirar contra el rey.

The rebels began to conspire against the king.

Están conspirando para robar el banco en secreto.

They are plotting to rob the bank in secret.

Es ilegal conspirar para cometer un crimen.

It is illegal to conspire to commit a crime.

Using the right connector

When you want to say who you are plotting against, always use 'contra' (against). Use 'para' (for/to) followed by another action to say what you are planning to do.

Conspirar vs. Respirar

Mistake: “Usar 'conspirar' para hablar de aire.”

Correction: Use 'conspirar' for secret plans and 'respirar' for breathing.

Planear vs. Tramar/Maquinar

Learners often confuse 'planear' with 'tramar' or 'maquinar'. Remember that 'planear' can be used for any plan, even positive ones, while 'tramar' and 'maquinar' specifically imply secret, often negative, schemes.

Related Translations

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