desean
deh-SAY-ahn
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Ellos desean unas vacaciones tranquilas en la playa.
A1They wish for a quiet vacation on the beach.
¿Qué proyectos desean comenzar ustedes este año?
A2What projects do you (formal plural) want to start this year?
Los científicos desean que el experimento tenga éxito.
B1The scientists hope that the experiment is successful.
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'They' Form
The form 'desean' is used when the subject is 'they' (ellos/ellas) or the formal 'you plural' (ustedes). The 'an' ending is a common signal for this group in the present tense for -ar verbs.
Wishing for Others (Subjunctive Trigger)
When you wish for someone else to do something, the verb that follows must change form (the subjunctive). For example, 'Desean que tú vengas' (They wish that you come).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'desear' and 'querer'
Mistake: "Using 'desean' when the feeling is mild or immediate, like 'they want coffee now.'"
Correction: 'Desean' often carries a stronger sense of desire or a formal wish. For simple, immediate wants, use 'quieren' (from querer). 'Ellos quieren café' is more common than 'Ellos desean café.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Follow with an Infinitive
To say 'they want to do something,' just put the second verb in its base form (infinitive): 'Desean aprender' (They want to learn).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: desean
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'desean'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'desean' and 'quieren'?
Both mean 'they want,' but 'desean' (from desear) is often used for deeper, more significant wishes, hopes, or desires, and sounds slightly more formal or intense. 'Quieren' (from querer) is used for almost all general, everyday wants (e.g., 'They want water').
Is 'desean' an irregular verb?
No, 'desean' comes from the verb 'desear,' which is a completely regular -ar verb. Its conjugations follow the standard patterns, making it easy to learn.