In 15 Sekunden
- Uncover the true motive behind words/actions.
- Use when suspecting hidden agendas.
- Peels back politeness for the real deal.
- Sounds natural in most everyday contexts.
Bedeutung
Diese Wendung taucht tief in das ein, was jemand *wirklich* denkt oder plant. Es geht darum, die verborgene Agenda hinter seinen Worten oder Taten aufzudecken. Betrachten Sie es als das Abziehen der höflichen Oberfläche, um die wirkliche Motivation darunter zu sehen, ob sie gut, schlecht oder einfach nur verwirrend ist.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 12Texting a friend about a favor
Você quer que eu te empreste o carro de novo? Qual é a sua `real intenção`?
You want me to lend you the car again? What is your real intention?
Watching a political debate
Ele promete cortar impostos, mas qual a `real intenção` dele com isso?
He promises to cut taxes, but what is his real intention with that?
Discussing a colleague's sudden helpfulness
Ele nunca é tão prestativo. Acho que tem alguma `real intenção` por trás.
He's never this helpful. I think there's some real intention behind it.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Brazil, 'segundas intenções' is a very common cultural trope. If someone invites you for 'coffee' late at night, they definitely have 'segundas intenções'. Portuguese people tend to be more direct than Brazilians, but 'real intenção' is still used in formal negotiations to ensure clarity and trust. In Angolan Portuguese, formal address is very important. 'Real intenção' might be used in respectful inquiries about a superior's plans. In Mozambique, the phrase is often used in the context of community development and NGO work to discuss the 'true' impact of projects.
The 'Real' Trap
Never use 'atual' to mean 'true'. This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'real'.
Reading between the lines
In Brazil, if someone is being too nice, it's polite to wonder about their 'real intenção' without being rude about it.
In 15 Sekunden
- Uncover the true motive behind words/actions.
- Use when suspecting hidden agendas.
- Peels back politeness for the real deal.
- Sounds natural in most everyday contexts.
What It Means
Real intenção means the genuine motive behind something. It’s what someone *really* wants or plans. It’s not just a surface-level thought. It’s the core reason for their behavior. It can be positive or negative. Sometimes it’s just a hidden desire. It’s the truth you suspect is there. It’s the secret sauce of their actions.
How To Use It
You use real intenção when you suspect someone isn't being upfront. Maybe their words don't match their actions. You might feel like there’s more to the story. Use it when you want to ask about their true feelings. It’s good for probing deeper conversations. You can use it to question someone’s motives directly. Or you can talk about suspecting someone else’s motives. It signals you're looking for honesty. You want to cut through the fluff. It’s like asking, 'What’s the real deal here?'
Real-Life Examples
- My friend offered to help me move, but I think her
real intençãois to use my new truck. - The politician promised lower taxes. But what is his
real intenção? - I don't trust his compliments. I need to figure out his
real intenção. - She said she wanted to be friends, but her
real intençãoseemed to be getting my notes. - This new app promises free features. I wonder about its
real intenção.
When To Use It
Use real intenção when you sense deception. You might feel something is off. Someone’s actions contradict their words. You want to understand the underlying purpose. Use it in serious discussions. It’s also good for gossip sessions! (Just kidding... mostly). When you’re analyzing someone’s behavior. When you need clarity on motives. If you’re watching a political drama. Or a tense scene in a movie. It fits perfectly there.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use real intenção for casual chats. If you're ordering coffee, skip it. 'What’s your real intenção for this latte?' sounds bizarre. Avoid it when things are straightforward. If someone is genuinely nice. There’s no need to question their motives. It can sound accusatory otherwise. Don’t use it if you just met someone. It might seem too intense. Keep it for situations where suspicion is reasonable. It’s not for lighthearted banter.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use verdadeira intenção. While verdadeira means 'true', real is more common and natural here. It sounds a bit stiff. Another mistake is using it too casually. Like asking your barista about their real intenção for making your cappuccino. Oops! It implies a hidden, possibly sinister, motive. It’s not for everyday, simple intentions. It’s for when you’re digging deeper.
verdadeira intenção
✓real intenção
intenção verdadeira
✓real intenção
real intenção for bringing bread.
✓Asking about the manager's real intenção behind the new policy.
Similar Expressions
Motivo real: Similar, butmotivois more about the 'reason' or 'cause'.Intençãois more about the 'plan' or 'aim'.Objetivo principal: This means 'main objective'. It’s less about hidden motives and more about stated goals.O que ele/ela quer?: 'What does he/she want?' This is more direct and less nuanced thanreal intenção.Por trás das cortinas: 'Behind the scenes'. This describes actions, not intentions directly.
Common Variations
Qual é a sua real intenção?(What is your real intention?)Eu suspeito da sua real intenção.(I suspect your real intention.)Não sei qual a real intenção dele.(I don't know what his real intention is.)A real intenção por trás disso é...(The real intention behind this is...)- Sometimes people might say
intenção genuína(genuine intention), which is similar but often implies a positive motive.
Memory Trick
Imagine a detective looking for a REAL clue. They’re not interested in the obvious stuff. They’re searching for the INTENTION behind the crime. That’s real intenção – the hidden motive the detective is trying to uncover!
Quick FAQ
- What's the vibe? It's a bit suspicious, investigative. You're digging for truth.
- Can it be positive? Yes, though often used when there's doubt. You might discover a kind, hidden motive.
- Is it formal? It can be used in formal settings, but often leans informal. Depends on context.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase `real intenção` is a common collocation, generally used in neutral to informal contexts. It implies suspicion or a desire to uncover a hidden motive. While it can be used in professional settings, it should be done cautiously as it can sound accusatory. Avoid using it in lighthearted or casual conversation where no suspicion is implied.
The 'Real' Trap
Never use 'atual' to mean 'true'. This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'real'.
Reading between the lines
In Brazil, if someone is being too nice, it's polite to wonder about their 'real intenção' without being rude about it.
Gender Matters
Even though 'real' doesn't change, 'intenção' is always feminine. Use 'A' or 'UMA'.
Beispiele
12Você quer que eu te empreste o carro de novo? Qual é a sua `real intenção`?
You want me to lend you the car again? What is your real intention?
Here, the speaker suspects the friend wants more than just the car; maybe they want to impress someone.
Ele promete cortar impostos, mas qual a `real intenção` dele com isso?
He promises to cut taxes, but what is his real intention with that?
The speaker doubts the politician's stated reason and suspects a hidden political motive.
Ele nunca é tão prestativo. Acho que tem alguma `real intenção` por trás.
He's never this helpful. I think there's some real intention behind it.
Expresses suspicion about a colleague's unusual behavior, implying a hidden motive.
Recebi uma oferta de emprego muito boa, mas ainda não descobri a `real intenção` deles. 🤔 #dubious #careergoals
I received a really good job offer, but I haven't figured out their real intention yet. 🤔 #dubious #careergoals
Using the phrase in a relatable social media context to express cautious skepticism.
Agradeço a oferta, mas gostaria de entender melhor a `real intenção` da empresa em relação ao desenvolvimento da minha carreira aqui.
I appreciate the offer, but I'd like to better understand the company's real intention regarding my career development here.
A more formal, professional use asking for clarity on long-term career prospects.
Ela me deu aquele presente caro. Sei lá, tô desconfiada da `real intenção` dela.
She gave me that expensive gift. I don't know, I'm suspicious of her real intention.
A very informal, almost gossipy tone, expressing distrust about a gift.
✗ Eu quero saber a `verdadeira intenção` dele. → ✓ Eu quero saber a `real intenção` dele.
✗ I want to know his true intention. → ✓ I want to know his real intention.
Using `verdadeira` sounds a bit unnatural or overly literal here; `real` is the standard choice.
✗ Qual sua `intenção real` para o futuro? → ✓ Qual a sua `real intenção` para o futuro?
✗ What's your real intention for the future? → ✓ What's your real intention for the future?
While grammatically possible, the word order `real intenção` is the fixed, idiomatic collocation.
Meu gato me trouxe um rato morto. Acho que a `real intenção` dele é me ensinar a caçar... ou só me assustar mesmo.
My cat brought me a dead mouse. I think his real intention is to teach me to hunt... or just to scare me.
A lighthearted, humorous take on interpreting a pet's 'intentions'.
Ele disse que vai te ajudar, mas eu conheço ele. Tenho receio da `real intenção` por trás dessa boa vontade.
He said he'll help you, but I know him. I fear the real intention behind this goodwill.
Expressing genuine concern and suspicion about a friend's motives.
Achei que ele era o vilão, mas talvez a `real intenção` dele fosse outra o tempo todo.
I thought he was the villain, but maybe his real intention was something else the whole time.
Discussing a plot twist and hidden motives in a narrative.
Precisamos entender a `real intenção` da outra parte antes de assinar qualquer coisa.
We need to understand the other party's real intention before signing anything.
A crucial step in business negotiations to avoid being misled.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Eu não confio nele. Qual é a sua ____ ____?
'Real intenção' is the standard collocation for 'true motive'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
'Intenção' is feminine singular, so it needs 'A' and 'real'.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
Where would you hear: 'A real intenção do contrato é proteger o autor'?
The phrase is common in legal and professional contexts.
Complete the dialogue.
Sérgio: 'Por que você me deu esse presente?' Ana: 'Não seja bobo! Minha ____ ____ era apenas te ver feliz.'
Ana is clarifying her sincere motive.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Real vs. Atual
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenEu não confio nele. Qual é a sua ____ ____?
'Real intenção' is the standard collocation for 'true motive'.
Choose the correct option:
'Intenção' is feminine singular, so it needs 'A' and 'real'.
Where would you hear: 'A real intenção do contrato é proteger o autor'?
The phrase is common in legal and professional contexts.
Sérgio: 'Por que você me deu esse presente?' Ana: 'Não seja bobo! Minha ____ ____ era apenas te ver feliz.'
Ana is clarifying her sincere motive.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Video-Tutorials
Finde Video-Tutorials zu dieser Redewendung auf YouTube.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but 'real intenção' is more common when you want to emphasize the 'true' nature of the motive. 'Intenção real' sounds more like a literal description.
Mostly, yes. 'Verdadeira' is 'true', while 'real' is 'real'. 'Real' feels slightly more objective or formal.
It's an ulterior motive, usually a sneaky or romantic one. It's the 'dark side' of 'real intenção'.
You say 'foi sem querer' or 'não foi minha intenção'.
Yes, it is perfectly natural in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
No. While 'real' can mean royal, in this collocation it always means 'true'. A 'royal intention' would be 'intenção real' (of the king), but it's very rare.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The plural is 'reais intenções'.
No, it's only for people, organizations, or characters who can have thoughts.
Not at all! You can have a 'real intenção' to help or to love someone.
Verwandte Redewendungen
segunda intenção
similarUlterior motive
intenção verdadeira
synonymTrue intention
com o intuito de
builds onWith the aim of
má intenção
contrastBad intention
sem querer
contrastWithout meaning to