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intención means intention — a common term in Academic & Exam Prep. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: February 23, 2026

🧠 Academic & Exam Prep

intención

noun • /[in-ten-SYON]/

intention

Example:

La intención del autor es ambigua.

The author's intention is ambiguous.

🧠 What does intención mean?

Intención is a feminine noun that refers to the aim, purpose, or plan behind a particular action. It signifies a conscious decision to do something, reflecting what a person wants to achieve. It is commonly used with the verb 'tener' in the structure 'tener la intención de + infinitive' to express the idea of 'to intend to do something'.

📚 Extra examples

  • No fue mi intención ofenderte con mi comentario.
    It was not my intention to offend you with my comment.
  • Ella tiene la firme intención de terminar la carrera este año.
    She has the firm intention of finishing her degree this year.
  • El documento fue redactado con la intención de aclarar las nuevas políticas.
    The document was written with the intention of clarifying the new policies.

💡 Did You Know?

The expression 'hecho con buena intención' (done with good intention) is frequently used to defend an action that had an unforeseen negative outcome. It emphasizes that the motive was positive, even if the result was not.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "intención"

Synonyms: propósito, objetivo, finalidad, plan, designio
Opposites: casualidad, azar, accidente, improvisación

🔍 See more academic & exam prep words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'intention' in Spanish?
The most direct and common way to say 'intention' in Spanish is 'intención'.
How do you pronounce 'intención' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is 'een-ten-SYOHN'. The stress falls on the final syllable, which is marked by the accent on the 'ó'.
How do you use 'intención' in a sentence?
A very common structure is 'tener la intención de' followed by a verb. For example, 'Tengo la intención de viajar a México.' (I have the intention of traveling to Mexico.)
What is the English translation of 'intención'?
The primary English translation of 'intención' is 'intention'. It can also be translated as 'purpose', 'aim', or 'plan' depending on the context.
Does 'intención' change for gender or number?
'Intención' is a feminine noun, so it uses feminine articles like 'la' or 'una'. The plural form is 'intenciones'.
Is 'intención' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'intención' is a very common word used in both formal and informal conversations to discuss plans, purposes, and motives.
Does 'intención' have slang or double meanings?
The phrase 'con segunda intención' means 'with a hidden motive' or 'with an ulterior motive'. It implies that the stated purpose is not the real one.
Is 'intención' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the use and meaning of 'intención' are consistent across the Spanish-speaking world. There are no significant regional differences.

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