Signification
Planning to carry out an action.
Contexte culturel
Using 'avevo intenzione di' is a common way to 'soften' a statement. It makes you sound less aggressive and more considerate of the other person's feelings. In the South, 'intenzione' can be very fluid. A plan to meet is often an expression of desire rather than a fixed commitment. The 'dolo' (intent) is a fundamental part of Italian law. 'Avere intenzione' determines the severity of a crime. The phrase 'L'importante è l'intenzione' is deeply rooted in the idea that God judges the heart/intent rather than just the outward action.
The 'Di' Bridge
Always visualize the word 'di' as a bridge. Without it, your sentence will collapse!
Don't over-formalize
While 'avere intenzione' is great, using it for every single action (like 'I intend to brush my teeth') makes you sound like a robot.
Signification
Planning to carry out an action.
The 'Di' Bridge
Always visualize the word 'di' as a bridge. Without it, your sentence will collapse!
Don't over-formalize
While 'avere intenzione' is great, using it for every single action (like 'I intend to brush my teeth') makes you sound like a robot.
The Polite Past
Use 'avevo intenzione' (imperfect) when you want to be extra polite or explain a change in plans.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to say 'I plan to go to the cinema'.
Io ___ intenzione ___ andare al cinema.
You need the first person 'ho' and the preposition 'di'.
Which sentence is correct?
Select the correct way to ask a friend about their plans.
'Hai intenzione di' is the standard formula.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Perché non sei venuto? B: Scusa, ___ intenzione di venire, ma ho avuto un problema.
The imperfect 'avevo' is used to describe a past intention that didn't happen.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You accidentally spilled water on a friend's book.
Use the negative imperfect to explain it was an accident.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesIo ___ intenzione ___ andare al cinema.
You need the first person 'ho' and the preposition 'di'.
Select the correct way to ask a friend about their plans.
'Hai intenzione di' is the standard formula.
A: Perché non sei venuto? B: Scusa, ___ intenzione di venire, ma ho avuto un problema.
The imperfect 'avevo' is used to describe a past intention that didn't happen.
Situation: You accidentally spilled water on a friend's book.
Use the negative imperfect to explain it was an accident.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but you must use the subjunctive: 'Ho intenzione che tu vada'. However, it's much more common to say 'Voglio che tu vada'.
Both are correct, but 'Ho intenzione' (without the article) is much more common in the idiomatic expression.
Yes! 'Avevo intenzione' is very common for saying 'I was planning to... (but didn't)'.
'Voglio' is a desire; 'avere intenzione' is a plan. You can want to be a millionaire without having the intention to work for it!
It's neutral. You can use it in almost any situation without sounding too stiff or too casual.
No, 'avere intenzione per' is incorrect. Always use 'di'.
Use 'Non avevo intenzione di' + the action. For example: 'Non avevo intenzione di offenderti'.
Yes, but often shortened to 'Penso di' or just the verb in the present tense.
No, only for people or entities with a 'mind' (like a company or government).
Abbiamo intenzione di... (We plan to...). The word 'intenzione' usually stays singular in this idiom.
Expressions liées
pensare di
similarto think about doing something
aver voglia di
similarto feel like doing something
proporsi di
specialized formto resolve to do something
contare di
similarto count on doing something
mirare a
specialized formto aim at/for
