How to say “to intend” in Italian

Unlock the power of expressing your intentions in Italian! In this article, we will guide you through the different ways to say “to intend” in Italian, giving you the tools to communicate your plans and goals with confidence. From beginners to advanced learners, this essential guide will help you take your Italian language skills to the next level. Let’s get started!

Start here

You’ll receive my free resources together with my best offers! Opt out at any time.

Summary

Learning how to express your intentions is a crucial part of mastering any language, and Italian is no exception. In our article, we dive into the different ways to say "to intend" in Italian, providing you with practical examples and tips to help you communicate your plans and objectives with confidence. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced Italian learner, this guide will equip you with the tools you need to take your language skills to the next level. From understanding the subtle nuances of the verb "intendere" to mastering its various forms and tenses, our comprehensive approach covers everything you need to know. By the end of this article, you'll be able to express your intentions with ease, whether you're making plans with friends, discussing your career goals, or simply communicating your desires and aspirations. Don't miss out on the opportunity to unlock the power of expressing yourself in Italian. Let's get started!

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 say to intend to 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.

How to use avere intenzione di italian

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?

How to use avere intenzione di in Italian

What does “avere in programma” mean?

Here’s another way to say “to intend”: avere in programma.

Free Guide
How to Learn Languages Fast

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.

What doesn avere in programma mean Italian

Still translating in your head? Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano's courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!

Eleonora

I’m originally from Argentina but grew up in Italy, so I’m bilingual. I love languages, which is why I studied French and Linguistics in London. I’m a grammar nerd and I love finding out about the meaning of words.

Follow me to fluency​

Receive my free resources once a week together with my best offers! No need to look around, just tell me where to send everything.

Follow me to fluency

Receive my free resources once a week together with my best offers! No need to look around, just tell me where to send everything.

Opt out at any time.

One Response

Leave a Reply

Share:

Still translating in your head?

Wanna speak Italian for real? Check out Stefano’s courses to think directly in Italian and become fluent fast!
Try my courses for free​
ripeti con me mockup sm

Let me show you around

Overcome your Barriers

Anything holding you back from becoming fluent?
Get on the right track today with my free checklist!

pain learning languages checklist preview
How long to fluency?

Find out how long it will take you to master Italian!
Get on the right track in 3 minutes.

dolce vita logo

We're already friends!

Coming from Luca and Marina?
Here's a special deal for you!
Just tell me where I should send the coupon.

50% OFF
all language resources

We're already friends!

Coming from All Language Resources?
Here's a special deal for you!
Just tell me where I should send the coupon.

50% OFF
GRAB A COUPON NOW, REDEEM IT LATER
50% OFF

To receive free resources once a week together with my best offers, just tell me where to send everything. Opt out at any time.