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intención

B1 noun #3,000 most common 12 min read

intención

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Practice it Examples Notes & Tips intención in 30 Seconds

Explanation intención in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'intención' is a word you might not use every day, as you are still learning basic verbs like 'querer' (to want) and 'ir a' (to go to). However, it is a very easy word to learn because it looks almost exactly like the English word 'intention'. You should recognize it as a feminine noun ('la intención'). At this stage, you might hear it in simple phrases like 'buena intención' (good intention) or 'mala intención' (bad intention). It is important to know that in Spanish, we usually say 'Tengo la intención de...' instead of just 'I intend to'. Even if you don't use it in your own speaking yet, recognizing it in reading will help you understand when someone is talking about their plans or why they did something. Think of it as a formal version of 'querer'. For example, if you want to say 'I want to study', you say 'Quiero estudiar'. If you want to be a bit more formal, you could say 'Tengo la intención de estudiar'. It is a great 'bridge' word because of its similarity to English.

As an A2 learner, you are starting to talk more about your plans and past actions. This is where 'intención' becomes very useful for making excuses or explaining yourself. One of the most important phrases for you at this level is 'No fue mi intención' (It wasn't my intention). This is much better than just saying 'Lo siento' (I'm sorry) because it explains that you didn't do something on purpose. You will also start to use the structure 'con la intención de' + infinitive. For example, 'Fui a la tienda con la intención de comprar pan' (I went to the store with the intention of buying bread). You should also be careful with the gender; remember it is 'la intención' and 'las intenciones'. You might see this word in simple stories or news headlines. It helps you move away from simple 'I want' sentences and into more complex ways of describing your thoughts and goals. It also helps you understand others better when they explain why they did something, especially if they are apologizing for a mistake.

At the B1 level, 'intención' is a key vocabulary word. You are now expected to handle more abstract topics and social nuances. You will use 'intención' to describe not just simple plans, but also motives and attitudes. This is the level where you learn about 'segundas intenciones' (ulterior motives). Understanding this concept is vital for following more complex conversations and literature. You will also use 'intención' in more formal writing, such as an email to a teacher or a boss: 'Escribo con la intención de solicitar una beca' (I am writing with the intention of applying for a scholarship). You should also be aware of the difference between 'intención' and 'propósito'. While they are similar, 'intención' is often more about the internal 'why', while 'propósito' can be a more formal goal. You are also likely to encounter 'intención de voto' in news reports about elections. Mastering this word at B1 means you can talk about the 'spirit' of actions, which is a very important part of sounding more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.

For B2 learners, 'intención' becomes a tool for sophisticated expression and debate. You will use it to analyze the 'intencionalidad' (intentionality) of actions in literature, history, or law. You should be comfortable using it with the subjunctive in clauses like 'Lo hizo con la intención de que todos se sintieran cómodos' (He did it with the intention that everyone would feel comfortable). Here, the use of 'que' triggers the subjunctive because you are expressing a wish or a goal for someone else. You will also encounter the word in more technical contexts, like 'la intención comunicativa' (communicative intent) in language studies. At this level, you should also be able to distinguish between 'intención' and 'finalidad' or 'objetivo' with precision. You might participate in discussions about whether 'la intención es lo que cuenta' (it's the thought that counts) in complex moral dilemmas. Your ability to use this word in various registers—from a casual 'fue sin intención' to a formal 'declaración de intenciones'—shows a high level of linguistic flexibility and cultural understanding.

At the C1 level, you are exploring the deep nuances of 'intención' in various professional and academic fields. In legal Spanish, you will study 'la intención criminal' or 'dolo', and how it is proven in court. You will use the word to discuss philosophy, specifically the philosophy of action and 'la intencionalidad'. You should be able to use the word in complex idiomatic expressions and understand its role in rhetorical strategies. For instance, you might analyze a politician's speech to see if their 'intención' matches their 'discurso'. You will also use it in high-level literary analysis to discuss the 'falacia de la intención' (intentional fallacy). Your vocabulary should now include related terms like 'intencionado' (deliberate), 'desintencionado' (unintentional), and 'bienintencionado' (well-meaning). You should be able to write long, complex sentences where 'intención' is just one part of a nuanced argument about human behavior or social trends. You are no longer just using the word to say what you want to do; you are using it to dissect the very nature of human will and social interaction.

As a C2 learner, you have a near-native grasp of 'intención' and its place in the Spanish language's history and structure. You understand the subtle difference between 'intención' and 'intensión' (with an 's'), the latter being a specific term in logic and semantics. You can use the word in its most abstract forms, discussing the 'intencionalidad de la conciencia' in phenomenological contexts. You are aware of how the word has evolved from Latin and how it functions in classical Spanish literature versus modern legal code. You can use 'intención' in highly stylized prose, perhaps playing with its double meanings or using it to create irony. You are also sensitive to regional variations; while the word itself is universal, the social weight of 'tener buenas intenciones' might vary slightly across the Hispanic world. Your use of the word is effortless, whether you are drafting a legal contract, writing a philosophical essay, or engaging in a rapid-fire debate about ethics. You have moved beyond the word as a label for a 'plan' and now see it as a fundamental category of human thought and social organization.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

intención in 30 Seconds

Intención is a feminine Spanish noun meaning intention, purpose, or aim. It is a direct cognate of the English word 'intention' and is used similarly.
It is most commonly found in the structure 'tener la intención de' followed by an infinitive verb to express what someone plans or wants to do.
The word is essential for social interactions, especially for apologizing ('no fue mi intención') or describing someone's character ('tiene buenas intenciones').
In formal contexts like politics or law, it refers to voting plans ('intención de voto') or the mental state behind a crime (criminal intent).

The Spanish word intención is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'intention' or 'purpose' in English. At its core, it represents the mental state or the 'why' behind an action. It is a feminine noun (la intención) and is categorized at the B1 level because, while its basic meaning is clear to beginners, its nuanced applications in social etiquette, legal contexts, and abstract planning require a more intermediate grasp of the language.

Literal Purpose: It describes a person's aim or plan. For example, 'Mi intención es terminar el proyecto hoy' (My intention is to finish the project today). It signifies a commitment to a future action.

Moral and Social Context: In Spanish culture, 'la intención' is often used to mitigate social friction. The phrase 'la intención es lo que cuenta' (it's the thought that counts) is a staple of social interaction, used when a gift or an action doesn't go as planned but the underlying spirit was positive.

Lo siento mucho, no fue mi intención romper el jarrón.

Understanding 'intención' also involves recognizing 'segundas intenciones' (ulterior motives). This phrase is crucial in literature and daily gossip to describe someone who isn't being entirely transparent about their goals. When you suspect someone is acting with a hidden agenda, you might say they have 'segundas intenciones'. This depth of meaning elevates the word from a simple synonym for 'plan' to a tool for psychological analysis.

Ella siempre actúa con la mejor intención del mundo.

In formal settings, such as business or law, 'intención' takes on a more technical weight. A 'declaración de intenciones' (letter of intent) is a formal document used in negotiations. Here, the word moves away from personal feelings and into the realm of contractual preliminary steps. It is a word that bridges the gap between the internal heart and the external world of action.

El gobierno anunció su intención de bajar los impuestos el próximo año.

Spontaneity vs. Deliberation: The word distinguishes between accidental occurrences and deliberate acts. If you do something 'sin intención', you did it unintentionally. If you do it 'con toda la intención', you did it with full awareness and purpose, often implying a level of boldness or even malice depending on the context.

Él lo dijo con la intención de ayudar, no de criticar.

¿Cuál es tu verdadera intención al venir aquí hoy?

Using intención correctly involves mastering several common syntactic patterns. Because it is a feminine noun, it must always agree with feminine articles and adjectives. The most common structure you will encounter is [Verb] + la intención + de + [Infinitive]. This is the standard way to express what someone intends to do. For example, 'Tengo la intención de estudiar medicina' (I have the intention of studying medicine).

Expressing Regret: When apologizing, 'intención' is usually negated. 'No fue mi intención' is the equivalent of 'I didn't mean to'. This is a powerful phrase in conversational Spanish for smoothing over accidents or misunderstandings.

No fue mi intención despertarte tan temprano.

Another frequent use is with the preposition 'con'. You can describe the spirit in which an action was performed. 'Lo hizo con buena intención' (He did it with good intentions). Conversely, 'con mala intención' suggests malice. If you want to emphasize that someone did something on purpose, you use 'con toda la intención' or 'con intención'.

Actuó con la intención de mejorar la situación de la empresa.

In plural form, 'intenciones' often refers to a person's general character or their romantic/social aims. A classic (though somewhat dated) question a protective parent might ask a suitor is: '¿Cuáles son sus intenciones con mi hija?' (What are your intentions with my daughter?). This highlights the word's ability to probe into the underlying will of an individual.

Sus intenciones son nobles, aunque sus métodos sean extraños.

The 'Sin' Construction: Using 'sin intención' functions as an adverbial phrase meaning 'unintentionally'. For example, 'Le dio un golpe sin intención' (He hit him unintentionally). It is a concise way to express lack of premeditation.

Me olvidé de llamarte, pero fue sin intención.

Tenemos la intención de mudarnos a España el próximo verano.

Interrogative Use: In questions, 'intención' helps clarify goals. '¿Con qué intención lo hiciste?' (With what intention did you do it?) is a common way to ask for a justification or an explanation of a surprising action.

¿Tenías la intención de decirme la verdad en algún momento?

In the Spanish-speaking world, intención is a word that permeates various levels of society, from the most casual kitchen-table conversations to the highest courts of law. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the context of personal relationships and social etiquette. Spaniards and Latin Americans often place high value on the 'spirit' of an action. If someone makes a mistake but had 'buena intención', they are often forgiven more easily. You will hear friends say, 'Sé que lo hiciste con la mejor intención', to reassure someone who is feeling guilty about a failed attempt to help.

In the realm of news and politics, 'intención' is a technical term. You will frequently hear about 'la intención de voto' (voting intention). This refers to the data collected in political polls asking citizens who they plan to vote for. News anchors might say, 'La intención de voto para el partido verde ha subido cinco puntos'. In this context, it isn't about a personal feeling but a statistical measure of future behavior.

Las encuestas muestran una intención de voto muy dividida.

Legal dramas and actual court proceedings also rely heavily on this word. In law, 'intención' (intent) is what separates a 'delito doloso' (intentional crime) from a 'delito culposo' (negligent crime). A lawyer might argue, 'No hubo intención de causar daño', to reduce a sentence. This legal nuance is common in crime novels and TV shows like 'La Casa de Papel' or 'Elite', where characters' motivations are constantly under scrutiny.

Daily Drama and Gossip: In telenovelas, the word is a weapon. Characters often accuse each other of having 'segundas intenciones' (ulterior motives). You might hear a dramatic reveal: '¡Yo sabía que tenías segundas intenciones con mi fortuna!'. It adds a layer of suspicion and psychological depth to the dialogue.

Cuidado con él, siempre tiene segundas intenciones.

In business, 'intención' is found in 'cartas de intención' (letters of intent). During a merger or a big contract negotiation, business leaders will discuss their 'intenciones' for the future of the company. It serves as a bridge between a casual agreement and a binding legal contract. Even in small businesses, a boss might say, 'Mi intención es contratar a más personal el próximo mes', to give hope to their current employees.

Su discurso fue una clara declaración de intenciones para su mandato.

Finally, in sports, commentators use the word to describe a player's strategy. 'Ese pase llevaba toda la intención de dejar al delantero solo frente al portero'. Here, it describes the vision and the goal-oriented nature of a specific play on the field. Whether in the stadium, the courtroom, or the living room, 'intención' is the word used to look beneath the surface of what is happening.

While intención is a cognate of 'intention', English speakers often stumble over its gender, its specific prepositional requirements, and its confusion with similar-sounding Spanish words. The most frequent error is treating it as a masculine noun. Because many nouns ending in 'o' are masculine, and 'intención' doesn't end in 'a', learners often say 'el intención'. However, almost all Spanish words ending in -ción are feminine. You must always use 'la' or 'una'.

Gender Mismatch: Incorrect: 'El intención de este libro es enseñar'. Correct: 'La intención de este libro es enseñar'. Always pair it with feminine adjectives: 'buena intención', not 'buen intención'.

Fue una intención muy noble por tu parte.

Another common mistake is the misuse of prepositions. In English, we 'have an intention to [verb]' or 'intention of [verb]-ing'. In Spanish, you almost exclusively use 'de' followed by an infinitive. Learners often try to use 'para' because 'para' means 'for' or 'to'. However, 'Tengo la intención para ir' sounds very unnatural to a native speaker. It should be 'Tengo la intención de ir'.

Spelling is another pitfall. English speakers often forget the accent on the 'o' (intención) or try to use two 'n's in the middle because of the English 'intention'. In Spanish, the 'n' is single, and the 'c' is used before the 'i'. Writing 'intensión' with an 's' is a common mistake even for native speakers, but 'intención' with a 'c' refers to purpose, while 'intensión' with an 's' is a technical term in linguistics and logic (meaning the internal content of a concept).

Escribir 'intensión' en lugar de 'intención' es un error ortográfico común.

Confusion with 'Propósito': While often interchangeable, 'propósito' is usually more formal or refers to a 'New Year's Resolution'. 'Intención' is more about the immediate 'why' or the hidden motive. Using 'intención' for a formal goal like 'My goal is to increase sales' is okay, but 'objetivo' or 'propósito' might be better.

Finally, be careful with the phrase 'con intención'. If you just say 'Lo hizo con intención', it usually implies 'on purpose' in a slightly negative or pointed way. If you mean 'he did it with a specific goal in mind', it's better to specify the goal or use 'con la intención de'. Leaving it hanging can sound like you are accusing the person of being calculated or cold.

No lo digas con esa intención tan sarcástica.

To truly master intención, you must understand how it compares to its synonyms. Spanish is a rich language with many words for 'goals' and 'aims', each with a slightly different flavor. Choosing the right one will make your Spanish sound more natural and precise.

Intención vs. Propósito: 'Intención' is the internal desire or will. 'Propósito' is the firm determination to do something. You have the 'intención' (desire) to exercise, but you make a 'propósito de año nuevo' (resolution) to actually do it. 'Propósito' feels more formal and deliberate.

Intención vs. Objetivo: 'Objetivo' is a concrete, measurable goal. In business, you have 'objetivos de ventas' (sales targets), not 'intenciones de ventas'. 'Intención' is the spirit; 'objetivo' is the target. If you are aiming at a target with a bow, the 'objetivo' is the bullseye, while the 'intención' is your desire to hit it.

Mi objetivo es correr un maratón, pero mi intención hoy es solo caminar un poco.

Another interesting alternative is finalidad. This word refers to the 'end' or the 'ultimate reason' for something. It is often used in academic or technical writing. 'La finalidad de este estudio es...' (The purpose of this study is...). While 'intención' focuses on the person's mind, 'finalidad' focuses on the outcome or the function of an object or process.

¿Con qué finalidad se construyó este edificio?

In casual conversation, you might use ganas. While 'ganas' usually means 'desire' or 'feeling like doing something', it can overlap with 'intención'. 'No tengo ganas de pelear' (I don't want to fight/I have no intention of fighting). However, 'ganas' is much more informal and emotional than 'intención'.

Intención vs. Voluntad: 'Voluntad' is 'willpower' or 'will'. It is deeper and more philosophical than 'intención'. You can have the 'intención' to help, but if you don't have the 'voluntad' (will), you won't follow through when things get difficult.

Donde hay voluntad, hay un camino.

Finally, consider ánimo. In phrases like 'con ánimo de lucro' (for profit) or 'sin ánimo de ofender' (without meaning to offend), 'ánimo' acts as a direct substitute for 'intención'. It specifically refers to the spirit or the underlying attitude of the person performing the action.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root 'tendere' (to stretch) is the same root for the word 'tent'. An intention is literally your mind 'stretching' toward a goal.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /in.ten.'θjon/

US /in.ten.'sjon/

The stress is on the final syllable '-ción'. This is indicated by the written accent mark on the 'o'.

Rhymes With

Canción Acción Pasión Corazón Lección Nación Relación Solución

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like the English 'intention' with a 'sh' sound. In Spanish, it is a crisp 's' or 'th'.
Stress on the wrong syllable. It must be in-ten-CIÓN.
Using a double 'n' like in English.
Pronouncing the 'i' like the 'i' in 'sit' (short i). It should be a clear 'ee' sound.
Forgetting the accent mark when writing.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy due to being a cognate with English.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the accent and the single 'n'.

Speaking 2/5

Common phrases are easy to memorize and use.

Listening 2/5

Clearly pronounced with stress on the end.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Querer Plan Hacer Decir Mente

Learn Next

Propósito Objetivo Voluntad Finalidad Ánimo

Advanced

Intencionalidad Dolo Subyacente Teleológico Hagiográfico

Grammar to Know

Nouns ending in -ción are feminine.

La intención, la canción, la acción.

Preposition 'de' after 'intención' before a verb.

Tengo la intención de ir.

Use of subjunctive after 'con la intención de que'.

Lo digo con la intención de que aprendas.

Written accent on the final 'o' because it is an oxytone (aguda) ending in 'n'.

Intención (not intencion).

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns.

Buena intención (not buen intención).

Examples by Level

Tengo la intención de viajar.

I have the intention of traveling.

Uses 'la intención de' + infinitive.

Es una buena intención.

It is a good intention.

Feminine agreement: 'una buena intención'.

¿Cuál es tu intención?

What is your intention?

Simple question structure.

No tengo la intención de comer ahora.

I don't have the intention of eating now.

Negation with 'no'.

Él tiene malas intenciones.

He has bad intentions.

Plural form 'intenciones'.

Mi intención es aprender español.

My intention is to learn Spanish.

Subject 'Mi intención' + verb 'es'.

Ella lo hizo con intención.

She did it with intention (on purpose).

Phrase 'con intención' means 'on purpose'.

Fue sin intención.

It was without intention (unintentional).

Phrase 'sin intención' means 'unintentionally'.

No fue mi intención romper el plato.

It wasn't my intention to break the plate.

Past tense 'fue' used for apology.

Lo hice con la intención de ayudarte.

I did it with the intention of helping you.

Prepositional phrase 'con la intención de'.

¿Tenías la intención de venir a la fiesta?

Did you have the intention of coming to the party?

Imperfect tense 'tenías' for past intentions.

Ella siempre tiene buenas intenciones.

She always has good intentions.

Adjective 'buenas' agrees with 'intenciones'.

Él salió con la intención de correr diez kilómetros.

He went out with the intention of running ten kilometers.

Action verb 'salió' + purpose.

No tengo ninguna intención de mentir.

I have no intention of lying.

Emphasis with 'ninguna'.

Fue un error sin intención.

It was an unintentional mistake.

'Sin intención' acting as an adjective phrase.

Queremos saber tu verdadera intención.

We want to know your true intention.

Adjective 'verdadera' (true).

La intención es lo que cuenta al final.

The intention is what counts in the end.

Common idiomatic expression.

Leí el libro con la intención de aprender sobre historia.

I read the book with the intention of learning about history.

Complex purpose statement.

Sospecho que tiene segundas intenciones.

I suspect he has ulterior motives.

'Segundas intenciones' is a key B1 phrase.

No fue mi intención ofender a nadie con mi comentario.

It wasn't my intention to offend anyone with my comment.

Apology for a social faux pas.

Tengo la firme intención de cambiar de trabajo este año.

I have the firm intention of changing jobs this year.

Use of 'firme' to show determination.

¿Con qué intención me haces esa pregunta?

With what intention are you asking me that question?

Asking about hidden motives.

El autor escribió este poema con una intención satírica.

The author wrote this poem with a satirical intention.

Analyzing literary intent.

Su intención de voto ha cambiado tras el debate.

His voting intention has changed after the debate.

Context of politics and polls.

Lo hizo con la intención de que todos participaran.

He did it with the intention that everyone would participate.

Subjunctive 'participaran' after 'con la intención de que'.

Hay que valorar la intención del legislador al crear la ley.

One must value the legislator's intent when creating the law.

Formal/Legal context.

No puedes juzgar a alguien solo por su intención.

You cannot judge someone just by their intention.

Philosophical argument structure.

Actuó de mala fe, con la clara intención de engañarnos.

He acted in bad faith, with the clear intention of deceiving us.

Describing malice/deceit.

Su declaración de intenciones fue muy bien recibida por la prensa.

His declaration of intent was very well received by the press.

Business/Political jargon.

A pesar de su buena intención, el resultado fue desastroso.

Despite his good intention, the result was disastrous.

Contrast using 'A pesar de'.

La película carece de una intención artística clara.

The movie lacks a clear artistic intention.

Critical analysis vocabulary.

Habló con doble intención, dejando a todos confundidos.

He spoke with a double meaning, leaving everyone confused.

'Doble intención' (double entendre/ambiguity).

Es imperativo discernir la intención subyacente en sus palabras.

It is imperative to discern the underlying intention in his words.

High-level vocabulary: 'discernir', 'subyacente'.

La intención comunicativa es el eje central de la pragmática.

Communicative intent is the central axis of pragmatics.

Academic linguistic context.

Se debate si la intención del autor es relevante para la crítica.

It is debated whether the author's intent is relevant to criticism.

Passive 'se debate'.

La fiscalía debe probar la intención dolosa del acusado.

The prosecution must prove the defendant's fraudulent intent.

Specific legal term: 'intención dolosa'.

Su comportamiento revela una intención de socavar mi autoridad.

His behavior reveals an intention to undermine my authority.

Formal verb: 'socavar'.

Fue un acto de generosidad desprovisto de cualquier intención de lucro.

It was an act of generosity devoid of any profit motive.

Sophisticated phrasing: 'desprovisto de'.

La ambigüedad de su intención generó una crisis diplomática.

The ambiguity of his intention generated a diplomatic crisis.

Context of international relations.

La obra es una exploración de la intención humana frente al destino.

The work is an exploration of human intent versus fate.

Abstract philosophical theme.

La fenomenología analiza la intencionalidad como rasgo de la conciencia.

Phenomenology analyzes intentionality as a feature of consciousness.

Technical philosophical term 'intencionalidad'.

Sus actos, aunque erráticos, traslucen una intención redentora.

His acts, though erratic, reveal a redemptive intention.

Literary verb: 'traslucir'.

No debemos caer en la falacia de atribuir intenciones inexistentes.

We must not fall into the fallacy of attributing non-existent intentions.

Advanced logic/critical thinking.

La carta de intenciones no constituye un contrato vinculante per se.

The letter of intent does not constitute a binding contract per se.

Legal/Business precision.

El matiz de su intención se perdió en la traducción literal.

The nuance of his intention was lost in the literal translation.

Discussion of linguistic nuance.

La arquitectura del edificio refleja una intención de transparencia.

The building's architecture reflects an intention of transparency.

Metaphorical use in design.

Se cuestionó la intención hagiográfica de la biografía reciente.

The hagiographic intent of the recent biography was questioned.

Niche academic term: 'hagiográfica'.

La voluntad y la intención convergen en el acto deliberado.

Will and intent converge in the deliberate act.

Synthesizing complex concepts.

Common Collocations

Buena intención

Mala intención

Segunda intención

Intención de voto

Declaración de intenciones

Firme intención

Sin intención

Con toda la intención

Carta de intenciones

Intención comunicativa

Common Phrases

La intención es lo que cuenta

— It's the thought that counts. Used when a gesture is appreciated even if the result isn't perfect.

El regalo es pequeño, pero la intención es lo que cuenta.

Tener la intención de

— To intend to. The standard way to express plans.

Tengo la intención de ir al gimnasio.

No fue mi intención

— I didn't mean to. A standard apology for an accident.

No fue mi intención ofenderte.

Con la mejor intención

— With the best of intentions. Used to justify a mistake.

Te di ese consejo con la mejor intención.

Doble intención

— Double meaning or ulterior motive. Usually implies something hidden.

Sus palabras tenían una doble intención.

Sin ninguna intención

— Without any intention. Emphasizes that something was purely accidental.

Lo hice sin ninguna intención de molestar.

Claridad de intención

— Clarity of purpose. Having a very clear goal.

Actúa con una gran claridad de intención.

Recta intención

— Honest or upright intention. Used in moral or religious contexts.

Siempre obra con recta intención.

Cuestionar la intención

— To question the motive. Expressing doubt about why someone did something.

No deberías cuestionar mi intención.

Manifestar la intención

— To state one's intention. Formally declaring a goal.

El jugador manifestó su intención de dejar el equipo.

Often Confused With

intención vs Intensión

With an 's', it is a technical term in logic/linguistics. Use 'c' for purpose.

intención vs Pretensión

Means 'claim' or 'aspiration', often with a negative sense of being pretentious.

intención vs Intento

Means 'attempt'. 'Intención' is the thought; 'intento' is the physical try.

Idioms & Expressions

"El infierno está empedrado de buenas intenciones"

— The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Good plans don't matter if they lead to bad results.

Quería ayudar, pero causó un desastre; el infierno está empedrado de buenas intenciones.

Proverb

"Leer la intención"

— To read someone's mind or motives. Understanding what someone wants before they say it.

Es fácil leerle la intención a ese vendedor.

Informal

"Adivinar la intención"

— To guess the intention. Similar to 'read the intention'.

Adiviné su intención en cuanto entró por la puerta.

Neutral

"Poner la mejor intención"

— To put in one's best effort or spirit. Trying hard to do the right thing.

Puse la mejor intención en la cena, pero se quemó.

Neutral

"Segunda intención"

— Ulterior motive. Hidden agenda.

No confíes en él, siempre tiene segundas intenciones.

Common

"Con intención de"

— With the aim of. Formal way to describe purpose.

Vino con intención de quedarse.

Neutral

"Sin trampa ni cartón (y con buena intención)"

— Honest and with good spirit. No tricks involved.

Te lo digo sin trampa ni cartón, con buena intención.

Colloquial

"Cazar la intención"

— To catch on to someone's plan. Realizing what someone is up to.

Enseguida cacé su intención de pedirme dinero.

Informal

"Llevar intención"

— To have a specific (often pointed) goal in mind.

Ese comentario llevaba mucha intención.

Neutral

"Bajos de intención"

— Lacking drive or clear purpose. (Rare/Specific)

Es un proyecto algo bajo de intención.

Literary

Easily Confused

intención vs Propósito

Both mean 'purpose'.

Propósito is more about a firm decision or a resolution. Intención is the underlying will or plan.

Mi propósito es dejar de fumar; mi intención hoy es no comprar tabaco.

intención vs Objetivo

Both mean 'goal'.

Objetivo is a concrete result. Intención is the mental state of wanting to achieve something.

El objetivo es ganar; la intención es jugar limpio.

intención vs Finalidad

Both mean 'aim'.

Finalidad is more about the 'end' or 'function' of an object. Intención is about the person's mind.

La finalidad del martillo es clavar; mi intención es arreglar la mesa.

intención vs Ánimo

Both can mean 'intent' in phrases.

Ánimo usually refers to mood or spirit. In legal phrases, it acts as a synonym for intent.

Lo hizo con ánimo de ayudar.

intención vs Ganas

Both express wanting to do something.

Ganas is informal and emotional. Intención is more deliberate and intellectual.

Tengo ganas de pizza, pero mi intención es comer sano.

Sentence Patterns

Tengo la intención de [verbo].

Tengo la intención de estudiar.

No fue mi intención [verbo].

No fue mi intención romperlo.

Lo hizo con [adjetivo] intención.

Lo hizo con buena intención.

Sin intención de [verbo].

Sin intención de ofender, no me gusta.

Con la intención de que [subjuntivo].

Lo hago con la intención de que me entiendas.

Tener segundas intenciones.

Él tiene segundas intenciones contigo.

Manifestar la intención de [verbo].

Manifestó su intención de dimitir.

Carecer de intención [adjetivo].

El acto carece de intención criminal.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in both spoken and written Spanish.

Common Mistakes

El intención → La intención
Nouns ending in -ción are feminine. Using the masculine article is a very common beginner mistake.
Intención para ir → Intención de ir
Spanish uses the preposition 'de' to connect 'intención' with an infinitive, not 'para'.
Intensión → Intención
Spelling with an 's' is incorrect for 'purpose'. Use 'c'. In Spanish, 'intensión' with an 's' is a very rare technical term.
Intencion (no accent) → Intención
Without the accent, the word is misspelled and the pronunciation would technically change. Always include the accent.
Tengo intención que... → Tengo la intención de que...
When using a clause with 'que', you still need the 'de' and usually the definite article 'la'.

Tips

Gender Rule

Remember the '-ción' rule. Words like 'intención', 'estación', and 'nación' are all feminine. This will help you with articles and adjectives.

Single N

Unlike the English 'intention', the Spanish 'intención' only has one 'n' before the 't'. Don't let the English spelling confuse you.

Cognate Power

Since 'intención' is a cognate, use it to boost your confidence in formal situations where you might otherwise struggle for words.

The Perfect Apology

Combine 'Lo siento' with 'No fue mi intención' to sound more sincere and fluent when you make a mistake.

Intent Matters

In legal contexts, 'intención' is often replaced by 'dolo' or 'ánimo', but 'intención' is still understood as the general concept of intent.

Ulterior Motives

Learn 'segundas intenciones'. It's a very common cultural concept used to describe people who aren't being straightforward.

The 'De' Pattern

Always follow 'intención' with 'de' when a verb follows. Practice saying 'intención de ir', 'intención de comer', 'intención de hablar'.

Poll Talk

If you read Spanish newspapers, 'intención de voto' is one of the most frequent phrases you will see during election seasons.

Road to Hell

Memorize 'El infierno está empedrado de buenas intenciones'. It's a great proverb to use in philosophical or critical discussions.

The Accent Mark

The accent on the 'o' isn't just for writing; it tells you exactly where to put the stress when you speak. Go loud on the Ó!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'In-Tension'. When you have an INTENCIÓN, your mind is in a state of TENSION as it stretches toward a goal.

Visual Association

Imagine a bow and arrow. The arrow is your action, the bullseye is your goal, and the 'intención' is the tension in the string as you aim.

Word Web

Propósito Mente Plan Voluntad Objetivo Acción Deseo Ánimo

Challenge

Write three sentences about your plans for next week using 'Tengo la intención de...'. Then write one apology using 'No fue mi intención...'.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'intentio, intentionis', which comes from the verb 'intendere'.

Original meaning: The Latin root 'intendere' means 'to stretch out', 'to strain', or 'to direct one's mind toward something'.

Romance (Latin origin). It share roots with 'tend' and 'tension'.

Cultural Context

Be careful when accusing someone of 'segundas intenciones'; it is a serious accusation of being manipulative.

English speakers might find 'the intention is what counts' more commonly used in Spanish than 'it's the thought that counts' is in English.

The proverb: 'El infierno está empedrado de buenas intenciones'. Political polls: 'Encuesta de intención de voto'. The legal concept of 'Mens Rea' (mental intent).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Apologizing

No fue mi intención.
Fue sin intención.
Lo hice con la mejor intención.
Perdona, no tenía intención de molestarte.

Goal Setting

Tengo la intención de...
Mi intención es...
Con la intención de mejorar...
Manifestar la intención de...

Politics

Intención de voto.
Declaración de intenciones.
Sondear la intención.
Cambio en la intención.

Interpersonal Conflict

Segundas intenciones.
Doble intención.
Cuestionar la intención.
Mala intención.

Business

Carta de intenciones.
Acuerdo de intenciones.
Mostrar intención de compra.
Propósito e intención.

Conversation Starters

"¿Cuál es tu verdadera intención al estudiar español?"

"¿Crees que en la vida la intención es lo que cuenta?"

"¿Alguna vez has hecho algo con buena intención que salió mal?"

"¿Cómo podemos saber si alguien tiene segundas intenciones?"

"¿Cuál es tu intención de cara al próximo año?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre una vez que hiciste algo 'sin intención' y cómo reaccionaron los demás.

Describe tus intenciones para tu carrera profesional en los próximos cinco años.

Reflexiona sobre la frase: 'El infierno está empedrado de buenas intenciones'. ¿Estás de acuerdo?

¿Qué importancia tiene la 'intención de voto' en una democracia?

Escribe una carta de intenciones ficticia para el trabajo de tus sueños.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is feminine. You should always say 'la intención' or 'una intención'. This is because almost all Spanish nouns ending in -ción are feminine.

An 'intención' is the mental plan or purpose. An 'intento' is the actual act of trying to do something. For example, you have the 'intención' to run, and your first 'intento' is your first try at running.

The most common and natural way is to say 'No fue mi intención'. You can also say 'Fue sin querer', which is slightly more informal.

Yes, always. The accent on the 'o' is required because the word is 'aguda' (stressed on the last syllable) and ends in 'n'.

Use it when you suspect someone has a hidden motive or isn't being honest about why they are doing something. It's common in gossip or dramatic stories.

No, that sounds unnatural. You should use 'tengo la intención de' followed by an infinitive verb.

It means 'it's the thought that counts'. It is used to show appreciation for the effort or the spirit of an action even if the result wasn't perfect.

Yes, very often. A 'carta de intenciones' is a letter of intent, used during the early stages of a business deal or contract negotiation.

It translates to 'voting intention'. It is the standard term used in news and political science to describe who people plan to vote for in an upcoming election.

Use the phrase 'con la intención de que' followed by a verb in the subjunctive. For example: 'Lo hago con la intención de que seas feliz'.