Inklingo

How to Say "you plan" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you plan” is “planeas” — use 'planeas' when you are asking about someone's general intentions or organizational plans for the future, often about what they intend to do..

English → Spanish

planeas

/plah-NEH-ahs//plaˈneas/

verbA2informal
Use 'planeas' when you are asking about someone's general intentions or organizational plans for the future, often about what they intend to do.
A person sitting at a desk looking at a map with a backpack nearby, preparing for a trip.

Examples

¿Qué planeas hacer este fin de semana?

What do you plan to do this weekend?

Sé que planeas una sorpresa para ella.

I know you are planning a surprise for her.

Who is 'planeas' for?

This specific form of the verb is used only when you are talking to 'tú' (one person you are friendly with).

Don't confuse with 'plano'

Mistake: “Using 'plano' to mean 'I plan'.”

Correction: Say 'planeo' for 'I plan'. 'Plano' usually means a flat surface or a map.

piensas

/PYEN-sas//ˈpjensas/

verbA2informal
Use 'piensas' followed by an infinitive to ask about someone's intention or thought of performing a specific future action.
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.

intentas

een-TEN-tas/inˈtentas/

verbB1informal
Use 'intentas' when asking if someone is trying or making an effort to do something, implying a degree of difficulty or a specific goal.
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.

programas

/proh-GRAH-mahs//pɾoˈɣɾamas/

verbB1informal
Use 'programas' specifically when asking about scheduling or arranging a specific event or appointment at a particular time.
A stylized illustration of a young person sitting at a desk, actively typing on a laptop keyboard, engaged in coding or setting up a plan.

Examples

¿A qué hora programas la cita con el dentista?

At what time do you schedule the appointment with the dentist?

Tú programas las luces para que se enciendan solas.

You program the lights so they turn on by themselves.

Regular -AR Verb

This verb follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in -ar. The '-as' ending is the predictable way to talk about what 'tú' (you, informal) do right now.

Confusing Tenses

Mistake: “Usar 'programas' para el futuro: 'Mañana programas la reunión.'”

Correction: While sometimes used for near future, it's better to use the proper future tense or 'ir a': 'Mañana vas a programar la reunión' (Tomorrow you are going to schedule the meeting).

Planning vs. Intending vs. Scheduling

Learners often confuse 'planeas' and 'piensas' when asking about future actions. While both can work, 'planeas' is broader for general plans, whereas 'piensas' + infinitive focuses more on the thought or intention behind a specific upcoming action.

Related Translations

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