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A2 noun 13 min de lecture

intenção

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces intenção en 30 secondes

Explication intenção in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 'intenção' as a fancy word for 'plan' or 'reason'. You don't need to use it in complex ways yet. Just focus on the basic idea: why are you doing something? At this stage, you might see it in very simple sentences like 'Minha intenção é boa' (My intention is good). It is important to know that it is a 'she' word (feminine), so you say 'a intenção'. You will mostly hear it when people are saying sorry for an accident, saying 'Não foi minha intenção' (It wasn't my intention/I didn't mean to). This is a very useful phrase to learn early on because it helps you be polite. You can also use it to talk about simple future plans by saying 'Tenho a intenção de...' followed by a verb, like 'Tenho a intenção de comer' (I intend to eat). Even though it's an A2 word, A1 learners can use it as a set phrase to explain their goals simply. Just remember the 'ção' at the end sounds like a nasal 'sown'.

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At the A2 level, you are expected to use 'intenção' to describe your plans and clarify your motives. You should move beyond just 'I want' (Eu quero) and start using 'I intend to' (Eu tenho a intenção de). This makes your Portuguese sound more structured and mature. You should be able to use the preposition 'de' correctly after the word: 'intenção de ajudar', 'intenção de viajar', 'intenção de falar'. You also start to encounter the word in the plural form, 'intenções'. A common situation at this level is talking about your 'intenção de aprender português' (intention to learn Portuguese). You should also be able to use simple adjectives with it, like 'boa intenção' (good intention) or 'má intenção' (bad intention). Understanding the difference between 'intenção' (what you want to do) and 'vontade' (what you feel like doing) is a key goal for A2 learners. You will also start noticing this word in news headlines about 'intenção de voto' (voting intention), which is a great way to practice reading real-world Portuguese.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'intenção' in more complex sentence structures and in a wider variety of social contexts. You will use it to explain nuances in your behavior, perhaps in a professional setting. For example, 'A minha intenção com este relatório é mostrar os resultados do mês' (My intention with this report is to show the month's results). You should also be familiar with common idioms and expressions, such as 'segundas intenções' (ulterior motives). At this level, you start to use the word to discuss the intentions of others, which requires a higher level of social vocabulary. You will also learn to use the adverbial form 'intencionalmente' (intentionally) and the adjective 'intencionado' (intentioned). You should be able to distinguish 'intenção' from its synonyms like 'propósito' and 'objetivo' depending on the level of formality you want to achieve. B1 learners should also be aware of the spelling trap between 'intenção' and 'intensão', ensuring they always use the 'ç' version for mental plans.

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At the B2 level, you use 'intenção' with high precision. You can discuss abstract concepts like 'intentionality' in literature or philosophy. You are able to use the word in formal debates or when writing sophisticated essays. For instance, you might analyze the 'intenção comunicativa' (communicative intention) of a text. You are also expected to understand the legal implications of the word, such as the difference between an 'ato com intenção' (intentional act) and negligence. You can use the word to express skepticism, such as 'Duvido das suas reais intenções' (I doubt your real intentions). Your vocabulary should include more formal synonyms like 'intuito' or 'desígnio' and you should know when to use them to vary your register. B2 learners are also comfortable using the word in the passive voice or in complex subordinating clauses, like 'Embora a intenção fosse clara, a execução falhou' (Although the intention was clear, the execution failed). You understand the cultural weight of the word in Portuguese proverbs and can use them appropriately in conversation.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'intenção' is near-native. You can use the word to navigate delicate social and professional situations where subtlety is required. You might discuss 'intenção autoral' (authorial intent) in a literary critique or 'intenção legislativa' (legislative intent) in a legal context. You have a deep understanding of the word's etymology and its relationship to other Latin-based languages, which helps you use it with a high degree of nuance. You can easily switch between synonyms like 'fito', 'mira', and 'propósito' to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You are also aware of the philosophical debates surrounding the word, such as 'intencionalidade' (intentionality) in phenomenology. In speech, you can use the word to create irony or sarcasm, such as 'Com que intenção você diz isso?' (With what intention do you say that?). You are fully aware of all collocations and can use them to sound highly educated and articulate. Your writing reflects a sophisticated grasp of how 'intenção' functions as a cohesive device in complex arguments.

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At the C2 level, you have complete mastery over the word 'intenção' and all its derivatives. You can use it in highly specialized fields, from cognitive science to high-level diplomacy. You understand the most obscure nuances, such as the historical shifts in the word's meaning or its use in archaic Portuguese texts. You can write academic papers or legal briefs where the concept of 'intenção' is central to the argument, using it with absolute grammatical and stylistic perfection. You are capable of explaining the word to others, including its most subtle differences from related concepts in other languages. You can use the word in creative writing to build complex character motivations or to explore the 'gap' between intention and reality in a philosophical sense. For a C2 learner, 'intenção' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool for expressing the highest levels of human thought and social interaction. You can use it effortlessly in any register, from the most casual slang to the most formal academic prose, always choosing the exact form and context required.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

intenção en 30 secondes

Intenção means 'intention' or 'purpose' and is a feminine noun in Portuguese.
It is commonly used in the phrase 'ter a intenção de' to express plans.
The plural form is 'intenções', following the standard '-ção' to '-ções' rule.
Be careful not to confuse 'intenção' (purpose) with 'intensão' (intensity).

The Portuguese word intenção is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'intention', 'aim', 'purpose', or 'plan' in English. At its core, it represents the mental state or the deliberate resolve to act in a certain way or to achieve a specific end. In the Lusophone world, understanding this word is crucial because Portuguese communication often places a high value on the underlying motive behind an action, sometimes even more than the action itself. Whether you are discussing your career goals, explaining a misunderstanding, or talking about political plans, intenção is the vehicle for expressing your 'why'. It is a feminine noun, so it is always accompanied by feminine articles and adjectives, such as a intenção or uma boa intenção.

Daily Use: In everyday conversation, you will hear people use this word to clarify their behavior. If someone accidentally bumps into you, they might say, 'Não foi minha intenção' (It wasn't my intention). It serves as a bridge between thought and action.

Eu agi com a melhor intenção, mas as coisas não correram como eu planeei.

Beyond personal interactions, intenção carries significant weight in professional and legal contexts. In a business meeting, a manager might ask about the 'intenção de investimento' (investment intention) of a partner. In legal terms, the 'intenção de matar' (intent to kill) or 'intenção de fraudar' (intent to defraud) determines the severity of a crime. This versatility makes it a high-frequency word across all registers of the Portuguese language, from the streets of Rio de Janeiro to the courtrooms of Lisbon. It is not just about what you do; it is about the internal compass guiding that action. When you learn this word, you are learning to talk about the human will.

Nuance: Purpose vs. Intention: While 'propósito' is often used as a synonym, 'intenção' is more frequently used to describe the immediate mental aim, whereas 'propósito' can feel slightly more formal or long-term, similar to 'life purpose'.

Qual é a sua verdadeira intenção ao propor este negócio?

Culturally, the concept of 'segundas intenções' (second intentions/ulterior motives) is very common in Portuguese. If someone is being overly nice, a suspicious friend might ask, 'Você está com segundas intenções?' This highlights a social awareness of the gap between outward behavior and inward desire. Furthermore, the word appears in the famous proverb 'De boas intenções o inferno está cheio' (The road to hell is paved with good intentions), which is used to remind people that having a good plan isn't enough; execution and results matter. By mastering this word, you gain insight into how Portuguese speakers navigate social ethics and personal accountability.

Grammar Note: The plural form is 'intenções'. Note the change from '-ção' to '-ções', which is a standard pattern for Portuguese nouns ending in '-ção' derived from Latin '-tio'.

Ele não tinha intenção de ofender ninguém com aquele comentário.

A intenção do autor é criticar a sociedade moderna de forma irónica.

Using intenção correctly requires a basic understanding of Portuguese prepositions and verb structures. The most common construction is the phrase 'ter a intenção de' (to have the intention of), followed by an infinitive verb. For example, 'Tenho a intenção de viajar' (I have the intention of traveling). This is a versatile way to express future plans without using the future tense directly, making it very accessible for A2-level learners. It sounds slightly more formal and deliberate than just saying 'Eu vou viajar' (I am going to travel).

Structure: Verb + Noun: Common verbs that precede 'intenção' include 'ter' (to have), 'demonstrar' (to demonstrate), 'declarar' (to declare), and 'esconder' (to hide). Each adds a layer of meaning to the psychological state being described.

Nós temos a intenção de comprar uma casa nova no próximo ano.

Another vital structure is 'com a intenção de' (with the intention of). This acts as a subordinating conjunction that explains the purpose of an action. 'Ele estudou muito com a intenção de passar no exame' (He studied a lot with the intention of passing the exam). Note that in Portuguese, we use the preposition 'de' before the infinitive, whereas in English we might use 'of' or 'to'. If you want to say you did something by accident, you use the negative: 'sem intenção'. For instance, 'Quebrei o copo sem intenção' (I broke the glass without intention/accidentally).

Negative Usage: When negating, you can say 'Não tive a intenção' (I didn't have the intention) or 'Foi sem intenção' (It was unintentional). These are essential for apologizing or clarifying mishaps.

Ela falou aquilo sem intenção de te deixar triste, foi apenas um comentário.

In more complex sentences, intenção can be modified by various adjectives to specify the nature of the plan. 'Uma intenção clara' (a clear intention), 'uma intenção oculta' (a hidden intention), or 'uma intenção política' (a political intention). When describing multiple plans, remember the plural: intenções. 'Quais são as suas intenções com a minha filha?' is a classic, somewhat cliché question a protective father might ask a suitor in a Portuguese-language soap opera (telenovela). This highlights how the word can carry a heavy emotional or social weight depending on the context.

Adjective Agreement: Since 'intenção' is feminine, adjectives must agree: 'A primeira intenção' (The first intention), 'A única intenção' (The only intention).

As intenções do governo ainda não foram totalmente esclarecidas.

A minha intenção original era terminar o projeto hoje.

You will encounter intenção in various environments, each giving the word a slightly different flavor. One of the most common places is in the **news and media**, particularly during political seasons. Journalists frequently discuss 'intenção de voto' (voting intention). This refers to the percentage of people who plan to vote for a specific candidate according to polls. If you are watching a Brazilian or Portuguese news broadcast, you will see graphs labeled with this term. It is a formal, statistical use of the word that every citizen is familiar with.

Legal and Formal Contexts: In legal dramas or news about trials, lawyers talk about 'dolo', which is the legal 'intenção' to commit a crime. You might hear 'Houve intenção de matar?' (Was there intent to kill?). This distinguishes between accidental and premeditated acts.

O candidato lidera as pesquisas de intenção de voto na capital.

In **interpersonal relationships**, the word is used to navigate social boundaries. In the world of dating, people often talk about 'segundas intenções' (ulterior motives). If someone is being extremely helpful or giving lots of compliments, a third party might whisper, 'Cuidado, ele tem segundas intenções' (Watch out, he has ulterior motives). This usage is very common in movies and soap operas to create tension or reveal a character's true nature. It implies that the person's 'primeira intenção' (the apparent one) is just a mask for a hidden goal.

Artistic and Literary Context: When discussing literature or cinema, critics analyze the 'intenção do autor' (author's intention). This is a standard academic phrase used to explore the meaning behind a work of art.

Eu percebi que ele estava com segundas intenções desde o início.

Finally, you will hear it in **workplace environments**. During performance reviews or project planning, a manager might ask about the 'intenção estratégica' (strategic intention) of a new proposal. It is a professional way to ask 'What are we trying to achieve here?'. In this context, the word is synonymous with 'objectivo' or 'meta'. Being able to articulate your intenção clearly is a sign of professional maturity in Lusophone business culture. Whether in a formal speech or a casual chat over coffee, this word is the key to expressing purpose.

Religious Context: In religious settings, such as a Catholic Mass, the priest might ask for 'intenções de oração' (prayer intentions), referring to specific people or causes for which the congregation is praying.

Nesta missa, rezamos pelas intenções de todos os presentes.

A intenção por trás da nova lei é reduzir a poluição nas cidades.

The most frequent mistake learners (and even some native speakers) make is confusing intenção with intensão. While they sound identical, they have completely different meanings and origins. **Intenção** (with 'ç') comes from the Latin 'intentio' and refers to a purpose, aim, or plan. **Intensão** (with 's') comes from 'intensio' and refers to intensity, force, or the state of being intense. For example, 'A intensão do calor' (The intensity of the heat). In 99% of your writing, you will want 'intenção'. Remember: 'ç' is for choice/purpose, 's' is for strength/intensity.

Spelling Error: Mistake: 'Eu não tive a intensão de te magoar.' Correct: 'Eu não tive a intenção de te magoar.' The 'ç' version is the psychological one.

Muita gente confunde intenção com intensão, mas os significados são opostos.

Another common error is related to **preposition use**. English speakers often want to use 'para' because 'para' means 'to/for'. They might say 'Tenho a intenção para viajar'. However, the correct Portuguese structure is almost always 'intenção de' + infinitive. 'Tenho a intenção **de** viajar'. Using 'para' here sounds unnatural and is a clear indicator of a non-native speaker. Similarly, don't forget the article. You usually say 'a intenção' or 'uma intenção', not just 'intenção' alone in a sentence like 'Eu tenho intenção'. While the latter is sometimes heard, 'Eu tenho a intenção' is more standard.

Preposition Pitfall: Mistake: 'Fiz isso com a intenção para ajudar.' Correct: 'Fiz isso com a intenção de ajudar.' Always use 'de' to link the intention to the action.

Ela agiu com uma intenção muito nobre, mas ninguém percebeu.

Finally, be careful with the word **'intencionado'**. This is an adjective derived from 'intenção'. Learners sometimes confuse it with 'pretendido' (intended). If you want to say someone has good intentions, you say they are 'bem-intencionado'. If they have bad intentions, they are 'mal-intencionado'. Don't say 'ele tem boa intenção' as an adjective for the person (though you can say he *has* a good intention). Use the specific adjective forms to sound more like a native speaker. Also, avoid using 'intenção' when you mean 'pretension' (pretensão); 'intenção' is about a goal, while 'pretensão' is about a claim or ambition.

False Cognate Alert: Don't confuse 'intenção' with 'intento'. While 'intento' exists and means the same thing, it is much more poetic and rare. Stick to 'intenção' for daily life.

Apesar de ser bem-intencionado, ele acabou por causar muita confusão com a sua intenção de ajudar.

Não confunda a intenção com o resultado final da ação.

While intenção is a great all-purpose word, Portuguese offers several synonyms that can add precision to your speech. The most common alternative is propósito. While often interchangeable, propósito often implies a more firm or long-term resolution. If someone has a 'propósito de vida', it is a life purpose. If they have an 'intenção de sair', it is just a plan to leave. Another common word is objetivo (objective/goal). Use objetivo when you are talking about a specific, measurable result you want to achieve, especially in business or sports.

Intenção vs. Propósito: Intenção is the 'aim' (what you want to do), while Propósito is the 'purpose' (why you want to do it). Intenção is slightly more common for immediate actions.

O meu propósito é ajudar as pessoas, e a minha intenção hoje é terminar este guia.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter intuito or fito. Intuito is very common in formal writing ('com o intuito de...'). Fito is rarer and sounds quite sophisticated, often used in the phrase 'com o fito de' (with the aim of). Then there is desígnio, which carries a sense of a higher plan or destiny. If you are talking about God's plan, you would use 'desígnios de Deus'. For everyday plans, stick to intenção or plano. Plano is more about the logistics (the 'how'), while intenção is about the desire (the 'what').

Intenção vs. Intuito: Intenção is used in speech and writing. Intuito is almost exclusively used in formal writing or professional emails to explain the reason for a contact.

Ele escreveu o e-mail com o intuito de resolver o problema rapidamente.

Finally, consider the word vontade (will/desire). While not a direct synonym, it is often used in similar contexts. 'Eu não tenho intenção de ir' (I don't intend to go) is a statement of fact about your plans. 'Eu não tenho vontade de ir' (I don't feel like going) is a statement about your feelings or desires. In Portuguese, people often lead with their vontade, but use intenção when they want to sound more objective or committed. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right social situation, making your Portuguese sound more sophisticated and natural.

Intenção vs. Vontade: Vontade is internal feeling (wanting). Intenção is the projection of that feeling into a planned action (intending).

Tenho a vontade de viajar, mas ainda não tenho a intenção concreta de marcar a viagem.

A sua intenção era boa, mas o objetivo não foi alcançado.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'intendere' also gave us the English words 'intend', 'intent', and even 'extend'. It's all about where you 'stretch' your mind!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ĩ.tẽ.ˈsɐ̃w̃/

US /in.ten.ˈsown/

Last syllable (oxítona). In Portuguese, words ending in 'ção' always carry the stress on that final syllable.

Rime avec

atenção coração nação estação lição canção perfeição produção

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'ç' as a 'k' sound (it should be an 's' sound).
Failing to nasalize the vowels 'in' and 'ten'.
Pronouncing 'ção' like 'shun' (it's more like 'sown' with a nasal buzz).
Stressing the first or second syllable instead of the last.
Ignoring the tilde (~) which indicates the nasal sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the English cognate 'intention', but spelling with 'ç' is key.

Écriture 3/5

Requires remembering the 'ção' to 'ções' plural and the 'de' preposition.

Expression orale 3/5

Nasal vowels in 'in-ten-ção' can be tricky for English speakers to master.

Écoute 2/5

Clearly audible in most contexts, especially in political or apologetic settings.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

plano querer objetivo vontade ação

Apprends ensuite

propósito intencionalmente intuito desígnio pretensão

Avancé

hermenêutica fenomenologia dolo subjacente mimetizar

Grammaire à connaître

Nouns ending in '-ção' are almost always feminine.

A intenção, a educação, a nação.

The plural of '-ção' is '-ções'.

Uma intenção -> Duas intenções.

The preposition 'de' is used to link 'intenção' to an infinitive verb.

Intenção de sair, intenção de falar.

Nasalization of vowels before 'n' or with a tilde.

The 'in' in intenção is nasalized.

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.

A intenção é clara (not claro).

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Exemples par niveau

A minha intenção é boa.

My intention is good.

Simple subject + verb + adjective. 'Intenção' is feminine.

Eu não tive a intenção.

I didn't have the intention (I didn't mean to).

Negative form using 'ter' in the past (pretérito perfeito).

Qual é a sua intenção?

What is your intention?

Interrogative sentence with the possessive 'sua'.

Ela tem a intenção de viajar.

She has the intention of traveling.

'Ter a intenção de' + infinitive verb.

Foi sem intenção.

It was without intention (unintentional).

Preposition 'sem' used to indicate lack of intent.

Ele tem uma boa intenção.

He has a good intention.

Indefinite article 'uma' agreeing with feminine 'intenção'.

Nossa intenção é ajudar você.

Our intention is to help you.

Possessive 'nossa' (our) in the feminine form.

Eu entendo sua intenção.

I understand your intention.

Simple present tense of the verb 'entender'.

Nós temos a intenção de comprar um carro.

We have the intention of buying a car.

Common structure for future plans at A2 level.

A intenção dele não era clara.

His intention was not clear.

Use of the imperfect past 'era' to describe a state.

Eles agiram com a intenção de ganhar.

They acted with the intention of winning.

'Com a intenção de' as a purpose clause.

Você tem intenção de ficar aqui?

Do you intend to stay here?

Dropping the article 'a' is common in casual A2 speech.

Minha única intenção era ser gentil.

My only intention was to be kind.

Adjective 'única' modifying the noun.

As intenções do autor são simples.

The author's intentions are simple.

Plural form 'intenções' and plural verb 'são'.

Eu fiz isso sem intenção de ofender.

I did this without intention of offending.

'Sem intenção de' + infinitive.

Qual é a intenção deste projeto?

What is the intention of this project?

Genitive 'de' + 'este' = 'deste'.

Eu percebi que ele tinha segundas intenções.

I realized he had ulterior motives.

Idiomatic use of 'segundas intenções'.

Apesar da boa intenção, o plano falhou.

Despite the good intention, the plan failed.

Contraction 'da' (de + a) used with 'apesar'.

Ele declarou sua intenção de renunciar.

He declared his intention to resign.

Formal verb 'declarar' used in a professional context.

Não foi por maldade, foi apenas falta de intenção.

It wasn't out of malice, it was just a lack of intention.

Using 'falta de' to describe the absence of a plan.

Temos a intenção de expandir o negócio em breve.

We intend to expand the business soon.

Professional usage of 'expandir o negócio'.

As intenções políticas nem sempre são óbvias.

Political intentions are not always obvious.

Adjective 'políticas' agreeing with plural 'intenções'.

Ela escondeu sua real intenção durante a reunião.

She hid her real intention during the meeting.

Verb 'esconder' showing the secretive side of intent.

O e-mail foi enviado com a intenção de esclarecer as dúvidas.

The email was sent with the intention of clearing up doubts.

Passive voice 'foi enviado' + purpose clause.

A intenção de voto no candidato aumentou esta semana.

The voting intention for the candidate increased this week.

Specific political terminology 'intenção de voto'.

É difícil provar a intenção criminosa neste caso.

It is difficult to prove criminal intent in this case.

Legal context using the adjective 'criminosa'.

O autor manifesta a intenção de criticar a elite.

The author manifests the intention to criticize the elite.

Formal verb 'manifestar'.

Houve uma clara intenção de manipular os dados.

There was a clear intention to manipulate the data.

Use of 'houve' (there was) for existence in the past.

A nossa intenção estratégica é dominar o mercado local.

Our strategic intention is to dominate the local market.

Business collocation 'intenção estratégica'.

Apesar das intenções louváveis, o resultado foi desastroso.

Despite the laudable intentions, the result was disastrous.

Advanced adjective 'louváveis' (praiseworthy).

Ele agiu movido por uma intenção de vingança.

He acted driven by an intention of revenge.

Participle 'movido' (moved/driven) as a modifier.

A intenção original do projeto foi desvirtuada.

The original intention of the project was distorted.

Advanced verb 'desvirtuar' (to distort/corrupt).

A análise da intenção autoral é fundamental na hermenêutica.

The analysis of authorial intent is fundamental in hermeneutics.

Academic register with specialized terminology.

O réu agiu com dolo, ou seja, com plena intenção de lesar.

The defendant acted with 'dolo', that is, with full intention to harm.

Legal synonym 'dolo' explained by 'intenção'.

A intenção comunicativa subjacente ao texto é ambígua.

The communicative intention underlying the text is ambiguous.

Advanced adjective 'subjacente' (underlying).

Não se pode inferir a intenção sem provas concretas.

One cannot infer intention without concrete evidence.

Impersonal 'se' construction with the verb 'inferir'.

Sua fala foi carregada de uma intenção irónica e mordaz.

His speech was loaded with an ironic and biting intention.

Descriptive adjectives 'irónica' and 'mordaz'.

A intenção legislativa era proteger os direitos das minorias.

The legislative intent was to protect minority rights.

Political/Legal term 'intenção legislativa'.

Questiono a intenção de quem financia estas campanhas.

I question the intention of those who fund these campaigns.

Verb 'questionar' used to express doubt.

A intenção do artista transcende a mera representação visual.

The artist's intention transcends mere visual representation.

Philosophical verb 'transcender'.

A intencionalidade da consciência é um tema central na fenomenologia.

The intentionality of consciousness is a central theme in phenomenology.

Abstract noun 'intencionalidade' derived from 'intenção'.

O texto oscila entre a intenção pedagógica e a denúncia social.

The text oscillates between pedagogical intention and social denunciation.

Nuanced description of literary purpose.

Raramente a intenção do sujeito coincide plenamente com o ato.

Rarely does the subject's intention fully coincide with the act.

Philosophical observation on human action.

A hermenêutica contemporânea problematiza a busca pela intenção original.

Contemporary hermeneutics problematizes the search for original intent.

Complex verb 'problematizar'.

A intenção satírica é o fio condutor de toda a narrativa.

The satirical intention is the guiding thread of the entire narrative.

Metaphorical use of 'fio condutor'.

A ausência de intenção dolosa foi o argumento da defesa.

The absence of 'dolosa' (malicious/willful) intent was the defense's argument.

Highly technical legal phrasing.

Sua intenção era mimetizar o estilo clássico sem cair no pastiche.

His intention was to mimic the classical style without falling into pastiche.

Sophisticated vocabulary: 'mimetizar' and 'pastiche'.

A intenção subjacente à diplomacia é muitas vezes o equilíbrio de poder.

The intention underlying diplomacy is often the balance of power.

Political science application of the term.

Collocations courantes

boa intenção

má intenção

intenção de voto

segundas intenções

intenção original

sem intenção

declarar intenção

manifestar intenção

intenção estratégica

pura intenção

Phrases Courantes

Ter a intenção de

— To have the plan or aim to do something. It is the standard way to express intent.

Tenho a intenção de estudar mais.

Com a intenção de

— Used to explain the purpose behind an action. Similar to 'in order to'.

Ele ligou com a intenção de pedir desculpas.

Na melhor das intenções

— Used when someone tries to help but things don't go as planned.

Fiz isso na melhor das intenções, juro.

Não foi minha intenção

— The standard way to say 'I didn't mean to' or 'It wasn't my fault'.

Desculpe, não foi minha intenção te ofender.

Estar com segundas intenções

— To have a hidden or ulterior motive, often used in dating or business.

Acho que ele está com segundas intenções com você.

Falta de intenção

— The absence of a plan or deliberate thought behind an action.

O erro ocorreu por total falta de intenção.

Pela intenção

— Used when thanking someone for the thought, even if the result wasn't perfect.

Obrigado pela intenção, mas não preciso de ajuda.

Demonstrar intenção

— To show or signal what one plans to do through behavior or words.

O jogador demonstrou intenção de chutar a bola.

Esconder a intenção

— To keep one's true goals secret from others.

Ele é mestre em esconder a intenção real.

Confirmar intenção

— To verify that a previously stated plan is still active.

O cliente confirmou a intenção de compra.

Souvent confondu avec

intenção vs intensão

Spelled with 's', it means 'intensity' or 'tension'. Spelled with 'ç', it means 'purpose'.

intenção vs pretensão

Means 'claim' or 'ambition', often with a negative connotation of being 'pretentious'. 'Intenção' is just a goal.

intenção vs intento

A synonym, but much rarer and more poetic. Use 'intenção' in 99% of cases.

Expressions idiomatiques

"De boas intenções o inferno está cheio"

— Good intentions are not enough; results and actions are what matter. Equivalent to 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions'.

Ele prometeu ajudar, mas nunca apareceu. De boas intenções o inferno está cheio.

popular/proverb

"Ler as intenções"

— To figure out what someone is really thinking or planning without them saying it.

É difícil ler as intenções dele, ele é muito reservado.

neutral

"Intenção de ferro"

— An extremely strong and unwavering determination to do something.

Ela tem uma intenção de ferro de terminar a maratona.

literary

"Sem pingo de intenção"

— Absolutely no intent whatsoever; completely accidental.

Eu bati no carro dele sem um pingo de intenção.

informal

"Vender intenções"

— To talk big about plans but never actually carry them out.

Ele vive vendendo intenções, mas não faz nada.

informal

"Julgar as intenções"

— To evaluate someone based on what you think they were trying to do, rather than what they did.

Não me julgue pelas minhas intenções, julgue-me pelos meus atos.

neutral

"Pura intenção"

— Something that exists only in the mind and has not yet been acted upon.

Por enquanto, a mudança é apenas pura intenção.

neutral

"Intenções ocultas"

— Secret goals that are not being shared with others.

O político tinha intenções ocultas ao propor a lei.

neutral/formal

"Com a faca e o queijo na mão (mas sem intenção)"

— Having all the means to do something but lacking the will to do it.

Ele tinha tudo para vencer, mas não tinha intenção de se esforçar.

informal/idiomatic

"Mudar de intenção"

— To change one's mind about a plan or goal.

Eu ia sair, mas mudei de intenção quando começou a chover.

neutral

Facile à confondre

intenção vs intensão

Homophones (sound the same).

'Intenção' is a plan or aim. 'Intensão' refers to the force or degree of something (intensity).

A intenção do autor era mostrar a intensão do sentimento.

intenção vs propósito

Close synonyms.

'Intenção' is the immediate aim. 'Propósito' is often more long-term or deeply rooted (purpose).

Minha intenção hoje é trabalhar; meu propósito é ser feliz.

intenção vs objetivo

Used in similar contexts.

'Objetivo' is the specific target or end result. 'Intenção' is the mental state of wanting to reach it.

Tenho a intenção de treinar para atingir meu objetivo de correr 10km.

intenção vs vontade

Both relate to wanting something.

'Vontade' is the feeling/desire. 'Intenção' is the formulated plan to act on that desire.

Tenho vontade de viajar, mas não tenho a intenção de fazê-lo agora.

intenção vs pretensão

English speakers confuse 'pretend' and 'intend'.

'Pretensão' is a claim or vanity. 'Intenção' is a plan. To 'pretend' is 'fingir' in Portuguese.

Não tenho a pretensão de ser o melhor, mas tenho a intenção de melhorar.

Structures de phrases

A minha intenção é [adjetivo].

A minha intenção é boa.

Eu tenho a intenção de [verbo].

Eu tenho a intenção de estudar.

Fiz isso com a intenção de [verbo].

Fiz isso com a intenção de ajudar.

Ele está com segundas intenções.

Eu acho que ele está com segundas intenções.

A intenção de voto em [nome] subiu.

A intenção de voto no prefeito subiu.

A intenção subjacente ao [substantivo] é...

A intenção subjacente ao texto é clara.

A intencionalidade de [substantivo]...

A intencionalidade da ação humana é complexa.

Any

Não foi minha intenção [verbo].

Não foi minha intenção te ofender.

Famille de mots

Noms

intencionalidade (intentionality)

intencionalismo (intentionalism)

Verbes

intencionar (to intend - though 'ter a intenção' is more common)

Adjectifs

intencional (intentional)

bem-intencionado (well-intentioned)

mal-intencionado (ill-intentioned)

Apparenté

intento

intensivo

intenção de voto

propósito

objetivo

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Portuguese.

Erreurs courantes

Eu tenho a intenção para viajar. → Eu tenho a intenção de viajar.
In Portuguese, 'intenção' is followed by the preposition 'de', not 'para'.
Foi um bom intenção. → Foi uma boa intenção.
'Intenção' is feminine, so the article and adjective must be feminine.
Não tive a intensão de te magoar. → Não tive a intenção de te magoar.
'Intenção' (purpose) is spelled with 'ç'. 'Intensão' (intensity) is spelled with 's'.
Minhas intençãos são boas. → Minhas intenções são boas.
The plural of words ending in '-ção' is almost always '-ções'.
Eu pretendo te ajudar. → Eu pretendo te ajudar / Tenho a intenção de te ajudar.
While 'pretender' means 'to intend', learners often confuse 'pretensão' with 'intenção'. 'Pretensão' is often negative (vanity), while 'intenção' is neutral.

Astuces

Adjective Agreement

Always remember that 'intenção' is feminine. If you are describing an intention, your adjectives must end in 'a'. Say 'intenção clarA', not 'intenção clarO'. This is a common mistake for beginners.

The Ç Rule

If you are writing about a plan, use 'ç'. The word 'intensão' with an 's' exists but is very rare and refers to intensity. 99% of the time, you need the 'ç' version.

Synonym Choice

Use 'objetivo' for concrete goals and 'intenção' for general plans. In a job interview, saying 'Meu objetivo é...' sounds more professional than 'Minha intenção é...'.

The Power of Apology

If you make a mistake, saying 'Não foi minha intenção' is a very polite and effective way to apologize in any Portuguese-speaking country. It shows you didn't act with malice.

Ulterior Motives

Learn the phrase 'segundas intenções'. It's very common in dating and social gossip. If someone is being 'too nice', people will often suspect they have 'segundas intenções'.

Formal Emails

In a formal email, use 'com o intuito de' instead of 'com a intenção de'. It sounds more sophisticated and is the standard for professional Portuguese.

Nasal Vowels

The 'in' and 'ten' are nasal. Don't pronounce the 'n' fully like in English 'in'. Instead, let the vowel sound go through your nose. This is the key to a good accent.

Voting Intentions

If you see 'intenção de voto' in a newspaper, it's about political polls. It's a great way to learn how the word is used in a serious, nationwide context.

Latin Connection

Remember that 'intenção' is a cognate of 'intention'. They look and mean the same thing, which makes it one of the easier words to remember in Portuguese.

Sem Intenção

Use 'sem intenção' for accidents. It's the equivalent of 'unintentionally'. It's a great phrase to have in your back pocket for any mishap.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Intenção' as your 'Internal Attention'. It's what you are paying attention to inside your head before you do it.

Association visuelle

Imagine a bow and arrow. The 'intenção' is the act of aiming the arrow at the target before you release the string.

Word Web

Mente (Mind) Plano (Plan) Vontade (Will) Objetivo (Goal) Ação (Action) Desculpa (Excuse) Alvo (Target) Escolha (Choice)

Défi

Try to write three sentences today using 'Tenho a intenção de...' followed by three things you actually plan to do this week.

Origine du mot

Derived from the Latin 'intentio, -onis', which comes from the verb 'intendere'. This Latin root means 'to stretch out', 'to direct', or 'to turn one's attention toward'.

Sens originel : The original sense was the stretching or straining of the mind toward a specific object or goal.

Romance (Latin root).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when questioning someone's 'intenção'; it can be seen as an attack on their character or honesty.

Similar to the English 'It's the thought that counts', but used even more frequently in daily social repairs.

The proverb 'De boas intenções o inferno está cheio' is universal in the Lusophone world. The song 'Segundas Intenções' by various Brazilian artists explores themes of hidden motives in romance. Political news in Brazil constantly references 'Pesquisas de Intenção de Voto'.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Apologizing

Não foi minha intenção.
Foi sem intenção.
Eu fiz na melhor das intenções.
Desculpe a falta de intenção.

Planning

Tenho a intenção de...
Qual é a sua intenção para o futuro?
Nossa intenção é mudar de casa.
Ele não tem intenção de voltar.

Politics

Intenção de voto.
Pesquisa de intenção.
Declarar intenção de candidatura.
Manifesto de intenções.

Relationships

Estar com segundas intenções.
Quais são as suas intenções?
Uma intenção pura.
Desconfiar das intenções.

Professional

Intenção estratégica.
Intenção de investimento.
Com o intuito de...
Carta de intenções.

Amorces de conversation

"Qual é a sua principal intenção para este ano?"

"Você acha que as pessoas costumam ter segundas intenções?"

"Você já fez algo com boa intenção que deu errado?"

"Qual é a sua intenção ao aprender português?"

"Como você reage quando alguém diz que 'não teve a intenção' de te magoar?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escreva sobre uma vez que você agiu com a melhor das intenções, mas o resultado foi inesperado.

Quais são as suas intenções profissionais para os próximos cinco anos?

Reflita sobre o provérbio: 'De boas intenções o inferno está cheio'. Você concorda?

Descreva a sua intenção ao começar um novo hobby ou projeto recentemente.

Como você diferencia uma 'vontade' passageira de uma 'intenção' real?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

It is a feminine noun. You must always use feminine articles ('a', 'uma') and adjectives ('boa', 'clara'). For example: 'A intenção foi boa'.

The most natural way is 'Não foi minha intenção' or 'Foi sem querer'. Using 'intenção' sounds slightly more formal but is very common.

This is a common spelling trap. 'Intenção' (with ç) means 'purpose' or 'aim'. 'Intensão' (with s) means 'intensity' or 'tension'. They sound exactly the same.

Use 'intuito' in formal writing, such as business emails or academic papers. 'Com o intuito de' is a standard formal way to say 'with the aim of'.

Yes! The construction 'ter a intenção de + infinitive' is a very common way to talk about what you plan to do in the future. 'Tenho a intenção de viajar amanhã'.

It means 'ulterior motives'. It implies that someone's stated intention is a lie and they have a hidden, often selfish, goal.

Yes, the verb is 'intencionar', but it is not very common in daily speech. Most Portuguese speakers prefer the phrase 'ter a intenção de'.

Like most Portuguese words ending in '-ção', the plural is '-ções'. So, one 'intenção', two 'intenções'.

Yes, it is extremely common. You will hear it in everyday apologies, business meetings, and political news constantly.

It is a nasal sound. Imagine saying 'sown' but directing the air through your nose. It's one of the most characteristic sounds of the Portuguese language.

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