How to Say “Aim” in Spanish

Ways to say it

In Spanish, the choice of word for 'aim' depends on whether you are talking about a professional target, a personal ambition, a mental state or an abstract purpose. You might use words like misión or propósito in formal contexts to convey the idea of an aim.

Which one should you use?

The different forms of 'aim' serve distinct purposes. Use objetivo when referring to a specific, measurable target, a goal or a professional objective. Use meta for long-term personal goals or life ambitions, which often implies reaching a destination or a finish line. Use intención to describe the psychological state or the will to do something, rather than the external goal itself. Use finalidad to describe an abstract purpose or the 'why' behind an action or a law.

Related words

To direct the intention or purpose (verb): pretender, encaminar, abocar.

To point or direct a missile weapon (verb): asestar, encañonar, baraustar.

How does it change in a sentence?

The plural of objetivo is objetivos, the plural of meta is metas and the plural of intención is intenciones.

How do you pronounce it?

/obxeˈtibo/

What mistakes should you avoid?

Avoid using pretensión to mean 'aim' if you want to be neutral. This word often carries a negative connotation of being overambitious or making an unfounded claim.