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anhelo

ah-NEH-lohaˈnelo

“anhelo” means “longing” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

longing, yearning

Also: wish
NounmB2
General
A small child reaching up toward a bright, colorful balloon floating just out of reach.

📝 In Action

Su mayor anhelo era volver a ver a su familia.

A2

Her greatest longing was to see her family again.

Sentía un profundo anhelo de libertad.

B1

He felt a deep yearning for freedom.

Aquel anhelo de paz se cumplió después de muchos años.

C1

That desire for peace was fulfilled after many years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • deseo (desire)
  • ansia (craving)
  • añoranza (homesickness/longing)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • anhelo de superación – desire to improve oneself
  • cumplir un anhelo – to fulfill a longing
  • anhelo ferviente – fervent yearning

Idioms & Expressions

  • quedarse con el anhelo – to be left wanting something you couldn't get

I long for, I yearn for

VerbB2regular ar
A person standing by a window, looking out at a distant, beautiful mountain range with a soft, hopeful expression.
gerundanhelando
past Participleanhelado
infinitiveanhelar

📝 In Action

Yo anhelo un futuro mejor para mis hijos.

B1

I long for a better future for my children.

Anhelo vivir en paz.

B2

I yearn to live in peace.

Te anhelo cada día más.

C1

I long for you more every day.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • anhelo verte – I long to see you

Subjunctive

Imperfect Subjunctive

yoanhelara
túanhelaras
él/ella/ustedanhelara
nosotrosanheláramos
vosotrosanhelarais
ellos/ellas/ustedesanhelaran

Present Subjunctive

yoanhele
túanheles
él/ella/ustedanhele
nosotrosanhelemos
vosotrosanheléis
ellos/ellas/ustedesanhelen

Indicative

Preterite

yoanhelé
túanhelaste
él/ella/ustedanheló
nosotrosanhelamos
vosotrosanhelasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesanhelaron

Imperfect

yoanhelaba
túanhelabas
él/ella/ustedanhelaba
nosotrosanhelábamos
vosotrosanhelabais
ellos/ellas/ustedesanhelaban

Present

yoanhelo
túanhelas
él/ella/ustedanhela
nosotrosanhelamos
vosotrosanheláis
ellos/ellas/ustedesanhelan
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "anhelo" in Spanish:

longing→wish→yearning→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: anhelo

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'My longing to travel'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
anhelar(to long for) — Verb
anhelante(longing / eager) — Adjective
anhelado(longed-for / desired) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'anhelare,' which means 'to breathe with difficulty' or 'to pant.' This originally described the way someone breathes heavily when they are physically exhausted or desperately wanting something.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: anelito

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'anhelo' and 'deseo'?

'Deseo' is the general word for 'desire' and can be used for anything from wanting a cake to wanting a car. 'Anhelo' is much more poetic and intense, usually referring to deep life dreams or spiritual yearnings.

Can I use 'anhelo' as a verb?

Yes! 'Anhelo' is the first-person version of the verb 'anhelar.' So, 'Yo anhelo' means 'I long for.'

Is it 'el anhelo' or 'la anhelo'?

It is always 'el anhelo' because the word is masculine.