propósito
/pɾoˈposito/masculine
The English phrase 'purpose' can be translated to Spanish as propósito.
The noun propósito refers to the end for which something is done, is made or exists. To convey purpose in a sentence, you can use the preposition para before a noun or an infinitive verb. Other phrases to express purpose include con el fin de (with the purpose of) and con el objetivo de (with the objective of). Additionally, the idiom a propósito is used as an adverbial idiom meaning 'on purpose' or 'intentionally'.
Meaning: end for which something is done, is made or exists (noun)
Which one should you use?
While the idiom a propósito means 'on purpose', the prepositional phrase con el propósito de is used to express the specific intent or goal of an action.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The reflexive verb proponerse is used when a person decides or resolves to achieve a certain purpose, meaning 'to set oneself a goal' or 'to intend to'.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾoˈposito/
Did you know?
- While 'on purpose' translates to a propósito, this exact same phrase is also commonly used to mean 'by the way' or 'incidentally' in casual conversation.
- The word propósito is the standard term for New Year's resolutions, known as propósitos de Año Nuevo.
- When someone does something 'on purpose' in a negative context, Spanish speakers may use adrede as a more specific synonym for a propósito.
Examples in context
- Lo hice a propósito.I did it on purpose.This sentence is useful for saying that someone did something on purpose using propósito.Tatoeba #9703926 by stormy_clau, translation #2314842 by CK
- ¿Cuál es mi propósito?What is my purpose?This sentence is useful for asking about one's purpose using propósito.Tatoeba #1535602 by marcelostockle, translation #1179868 by CM
- No lo hizo a propósito.He didn't do it on purpose.Tatoeba #1275638 by Munia, translation #293411 by CK
- El propósito de esta reunión es discutir las estrategias de marketing.The purpose of this meeting is to discuss marketing strategies.
- La empresa tiene fines benéficos.The company has charitable purposes.
- La finalidad de este proyecto es mejorar la calidad del aire en la ciudad.The purpose of this project is to improve air quality in the city.
- Mi objetivo principal es aprender a bailar salsa.My main purpose is to learn how to dance salsa.
- Voy al supermercado para comprar comida.I'm going to the supermarket to buy food.
- Estudio todas las noches para obtener buenas calificaciones.I study every night to get good grades.
- Comenzaré una dieta con el fin de perder peso.I will start a diet with the purpose of losing weight.
- 101 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are discussing their goals for a new project.
- Javier¿Cuál es el propósito de este proyecto?What is the purpose of this project?
- ElenaNuestro propósito es ayudar a la comunidad.Our purpose is to help the community.
- JavierEs un propósito muy noble, Elena.It is a very noble purpose, Elena.
- ElenaGracias, Javier, estoy muy motivada.Thank you, Javier, I am very motivated.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “purpose” translations and entries propósito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
