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How to Say "you intend" in Spanish

English → Spanish

intentas

een-TEN-tas/inˈtentas/

VerbB1informal
Use 'intentas' when asking about a direct effort or attempt to do something, often involving a challenge or a specific action.
A person standing at a fork in a path, pointing decisively down one route towards a clearly visible, bright destination in the distance, illustrating setting a goal.

Examples

¿Intentas terminar la novela antes de Navidad?

Do you intend to finish the novel before Christmas?

¿**Intentas** terminar la novela antes de Navidad?

Do you intend to finish the novel before Christmas?

Si **intentas** hacer una oferta, debe ser muy alta.

If you plan to make an offer, it must be very high.

Focus on the Future

When 'intentas' means 'you intend,' it always points toward a future action or goal you have mentally set for yourself.

piensas

/PYEN-sas//ˈpjensas/

VerbA2informal
Use 'piensas' to inquire about someone's plans or what they are considering doing in the near future.
A friendly, cartoonish child character stands on a small hill overlooking a distant, colorful city skyline, pointing forward with determination, symbolizing planning a future action.

Examples

¿Piensas ir al cine este fin de semana?

Do you plan to go to the movies this weekend?

Si no piensas estudiar, no vas a pasar el examen.

If you don't plan to study, you're not going to pass the exam.

The 'Plan to...' Formula

To talk about your plans, use this simple recipe: 'pensar' + an action verb. For example, 'Pienso comer' means 'I plan to eat'.

Planning vs. Thinking About

Mistake: “Piensas en viajar a México.”

Correction: Piensas viajar a México. --- The first sentence means you are 'thinking about' the idea of traveling. The second, without 'en', means you are actively 'planning' to travel.

pretendes

/pre-TEN-des//pɾeˈtendes/

VerbB1informal
Use 'pretendes' when asking about someone's ultimate goal, aim, or what they are trying to achieve, sometimes with a hint of suspicion.
A young child standing at the base of a small hill, looking up at a bright red flag at the top with a determined expression.

Examples

¿Qué pretendes lograr con este cambio?

What do you intend to achieve with this change?

No pretendes que termine todo esto hoy, ¿verdad?

You don't expect me to finish all of this today, do you?

Si pretendes salir temprano, debes terminar tu tarea.

If you are trying to leave early, you must finish your homework.

Using 'Pretendes' with other verbs

When you use 'pretendes' to say what you're trying to do, just put the second verb in its original form (the infinitive), like 'pretendes salir'.

The 'Pretend' Trap

Mistake: “Using 'pretendes' to mean 'you are faking/pretending'.”

Correction: Use 'aparentas' or 'finges' for faking. 'Pretendes' actually means you are aiming for or intending something.

Intentas vs. Piensas vs. Pretendes

Learners often confuse 'intentas' and 'piensas' because both can relate to future actions. Remember that 'piensas' is about general plans and thoughts, while 'intentas' implies a more active effort or attempt. 'Pretendes' is usually about a deeper purpose or goal.

Related Translations

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