pretendo

Pretendo is the first-person singular present indicative form of the Portuguese verb pretender. The primary meaning is to express an intention or plan, roughly “I intend” or “I plan.” It can be followed by an infinitive to indicate the action intended (eu pretendo viajar) or by a clause introduced by que to express a desired outcome or obligation (eu pretendo que você viaje).

Etymology and usage context: Pretender originates from Latin praetendere, combining prae- and tendere. In Portuguese, pretender conveys deliberate intention rather than mere wish and is commonly used in formal and informal communication alike.

Conjugation notes: Pretender is a regular -er verb in the present tense, with regional variation in second-person forms. In Brazilian Portuguese, the standard present forms are: eu pretendo, você/ele/ela pretende, nós pretendemos, vocês/eles pretendem. In European Portuguese, a typical set is: eu pretendo, tu pretendes, ele/ela pretende, nós pretendemos, vós pretendeis, eles/elas pretendem. The form pretendes with tu is common in Portugal, while você is more typical in parts of Brazil.

Usage considerations: Pretendo conveys a stronger sense of planning than a simple desire. It is appropriate for stating future actions or commitments and can govern infinitive clauses or subordinate clauses with que. It is not typically used to mean “to pretend”; for that sense, other verbs such as fingir or fazer de conta are preferred.

Examples: Eu pretendo começar amanhã. Ela pretende estudar medicina. Nós pretendemos viajar este verão. Eu pretendo que você me ajude.