Inklingo

apetecer

ah-peh-teh-SEHR/apeiteˈθer/

apetecer means to feel like in Spanish (having a desire for food or an activity).

to feel like

Also: to fancy, to appeal to
VerbB1irregular er
SpainLatin America
A child looking longingly at a delicious, colorful ice cream cone with bright eyes.
gerundapeteciendo
past Participleapetecido
infinitiveapetecer

📝 In Action

¿Te apetece una pizza?

A1

Do you feel like a pizza?

No me apetece salir hoy porque estoy cansado.

B1

I don't feel like going out today because I'm tired.

Me apetecería mucho ir a la playa este verano.

B2

I would really fancy going to the beach this summer.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • disgustar (to dislike)
  • desagradar (to be unpleasant)

Common Collocations

  • apetecer muchoto really feel like
  • si te apeteceif you feel like it

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesapetecieran
yoapeteciera
apetecieras
vosotrosapetecierais
nosotrosapeteciéramos
él/ella/ustedapeteciera

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesapetezcan
yoapetezca
apetezcas
vosotrosapetezcáis
nosotrosapetezcamos
él/ella/ustedapetezca

indicative

preterite

ellos/ellas/ustedesapetecieron
yoapetecí
apeteciste
vosotrosapetecisteis
nosotrosapetecimos
él/ella/ustedapeteció

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedesapetecían
yoapetecía
apetecías
vosotrosapetecíais
nosotrosapetecíamos
él/ella/ustedapetecía

present

ellos/ellas/ustedesapetecen
yoapetezco
apeteces
vosotrosapetecéis
nosotrosapetecemos
él/ella/ustedapetece

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "apetecer" in Spanish:

to fancy

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: apetecer

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'I feel like a coffee'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
apetito(appetite)Noun
apetecible(appetizing/tempting)Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Latin word 'appetescere', which means 'to begin to desire' or 'to strive after.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: appetite

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'querer' and 'apetecer'?

'Querer' is a direct 'I want.' 'Apetecer' is more like 'I fancy' or 'I am in the mood for.' It sounds a bit softer and is often used for immediate cravings.

Do I have to change the verb if I want more than one thing?

Yes! If you want multiple things, the verb becomes plural: 'Me apetecen unas patatas' (I feel like some fries).

Is 'apetecer' formal?

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it's also perfectly polite to use in a nice restaurant or with your boss.