Planear vs. pretender vs. tener la intención vs. pensar vs. tener previsto vs. tener pensado
Spanish, like all languages, contains numerous synonyms or near-synonyms that can be used to express a similar idea. Though planear, pretender, tener la intención, pensar, tener previsto, and tener pensado all convey a sense of planning or intending something, there are subtle differences in use and contextual connotation for each.
Planear
B1This broadly translates to to plan in English. It indicates the act of drawing up a detailed scheme or method for achieving something.
Planeo ir al cine esta noche.
(I plan to go to the cinema tonight.)
Pretender
B1Pretender primarily means to intend or to attempt. It suggests an intention to do something without the detail usually associated with planning.
Pretendo aprender español este año.
(I intend to learn Spanish this year.)
Tener la intención
B1Tener la intención translates directly to have the intention. It implies that you have an objective in mind but may not have acted towards this goal just yet.
Tengo la intención de visitar Francia este verano.
(I have the intention of visiting France this summer.)
Pensar
A2Pensar means both to think and, when used with an infinitive, to plan on/to intend. However, it carries less commitment than some of the other phrases.
Pienso ir a la playa mañana.
(I'm thinking of going to the beach tomorrow.)
Tener previsto
B2This expression translates to to have planned. It indicates the existence of a pre-established plan and carries a connotation of certainty
Tengo previsto terminar el proyecto antes del viernes.
(I plan to finish the project by Friday.)
Tener pensado
B1'Tener pensado’ also means ‘to intend’ or ‘to plan’. However, it has a slightly more tentative connotation – as if the plans are still in your head and haven’t been fully realized yet.
Tengo pensado cambiar mi coche este año.
(I'm planning on changing my car this year.)
Summary
In summary, while all these words and phrases can imply planning or intending something, they differ in terms of their level of certainty or specificity. Planear is perhaps the most straightforward equivalent of plan, while others range from suggesting definite plans (tener previsto), through to more tentative or general thoughts about doing something in future (such as pretender, or ‘pensar’).