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antojo

an-TO-ho/anˈtoxo/

“antojo” means “craving” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

craving

Also: whim
NounmA2
Mexico
A colorful illustration of a person looking happily at a large, delicious strawberry cupcake with pink frosting.

📝 In Action

Tengo un antojo de helado de chocolate.

A1

I have a craving for chocolate ice cream.

Compró ese reloj por puro antojo.

A2

He bought that watch on a total whim.

Durante su embarazo, ella tenía antojos muy extraños.

B1

During her pregnancy, she had very strange cravings.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • necesidad (necessity)
  • desgana (lack of appetite/interest)

Common Collocations

  • tener un antojo – to have a craving
  • por antojo – on a whim
  • quitarse el antojo – to satisfy one's craving

Idioms & Expressions

  • A pedir de antojo – To have something exactly as one desires.

birthmark

NounmB2
A simple illustration showing a small, heart-shaped reddish mark on a person's forearm.

📝 In Action

El bebé nació con un pequeño antojo en el brazo.

B1

The baby was born with a small birthmark on his arm.

Mi abuela dice que mi antojo es por una fresa que ella quería.

B2

My grandmother says my birthmark is because of a strawberry she wanted.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • mancha de nacimiento (birthmark)

Common Collocations

  • antojo de nacimiento – congenital birthmark

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "antojo" in Spanish:

birthmark→craving→whim→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: antojo

Question 1 of 3

How would you say 'I have a craving for pizza'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
antojarse(to feel like / to fancy) — Verb
antojado(having a craving / whimsical) — Adjective
antojito(little craving / snack) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Derived from the Latin 'ante' (before) and 'oculus' (eye). It literally describes something that 'comes before the eyes,' suggesting something that catches your attention and makes you want it.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: anteojo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'antojo' only for food?

Mostly, yes. While it can mean a general whim (like wanting to go to the beach suddenly), it is most frequently used for food cravings.

What is the difference between 'antojo' and 'capricho'?

They are very similar. 'Antojo' is more common for physical cravings (hunger), while 'capricho' is more common for material wants or being 'spoiled'.

What are 'antojitos'?

In Mexico and other regions, 'antojitos' refers to traditional street foods like tacos or quesadillas—literally 'little cravings'.