How to say “to intend” in Italian
In this post, we’re going to focus on how to say “to intend” in Italian, as in “to have the intention to do something”.
In Italian, we simply say “avere intenzione di”, which literally means “to have the intention of”.
Let’s have a look at an example:
Hai intenzione di parlare?
Do you intend to talk?
Let’s now find out how to use “avere intenzione di” in Italian!
How to use “avere intenzione di”
So, the structure is pretty straightforward:
- Conjugated form of avere + intenzione + di + verb in the infinitive
The verb avere is usually in the past or present tense.
It’s not common to see it in the future tense, since when we say we have the intention to do something we’re already thinking about the future.
Let’s look at some examples:
Ho intenzione di studiare architettutra all’università.
I intend to study architecture at university.
Cosa avete intenzione di fare today?
What do you intend to do today?
Il calciatore non ha mai avuto intenzione di lasciare la squadra.
The footballer never intended to leave the team.
La ditta non ha intenzione di licenziare nessuno.
The company doesn’t intend to fire anyone.
I ladri avevano intenzione di portare via tutto.
The thieves intended to take everything away.
What does “intendere” mean?
The verb intendere does exist in Italian.
It’s one of those verbs that has many meanings.
Here are some of them:
- To intend, as in to mean
Non intendevo farti soffrire.
I didn’t intend to make you suffer.
- To interpret
Hai inteso bene il significato della poesia.
You’ve interpreted the meaning of the poem well.
- To understand
Forse non ho inteso bene; puoi parlare più forte?
Perhaps I did not understand properly. Can you speak up?
What does “avere in programma” mean?
Here’s another way to say “to intend”: avere in programma.
However, the meaning is slightly different.
Programma in Italian, other than meaning program (with all its various meanings), also means schedule, plan, or agenda.
So avere in programma literally means “to have in plan”.
We could even translate it as “to (have) planned”.
We have two options:
- avere + in programma + (something)
La Commissione ha in programma un incontro nel settembre 2025.
The Commission planned a meeting in September 2025.
Ho in programma un viaggio il prossimo anno.
I have planned a trip for next year.
- avere + in programmar + di + verb in the infinitive + (something)
Domani abbiamo in programma di visitare un antico castello.
We have planned to visit an ancient castle tomorrow.
Hanno in programma di aprire una clinica.
They planned to open a clinic.
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One Response
eccelenza! grazie.