desear
“desear” means “to wish” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to wish, to want
Also: to long for
📝 In Action
Deseo viajar por todo el mundo algún día.
A1I wish to travel all over the world someday.
Mi hermano desea un coche nuevo para su cumpleaños.
A2My brother wants a new car for his birthday.
Deseamos que tengas suerte en tu examen.
B1We wish that you have luck on your exam.
to wish someone well
Also: to send regards
📝 In Action
Te deseo una feliz Navidad.
A2I wish you a Merry Christmas.
Deseo mucho éxito a todos los participantes.
B1I wish much success to all the participants.
Desea mis saludos a tu madre.
B2Send my regards to your mother.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: desear
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'desear' to express a wish for someone else's action?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *desiderare*, meaning 'to long for' or 'to miss.' It emphasizes a feeling of absence or something not yet possessed.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'desear' and 'querer'?
Both mean 'to want,' but 'desear' usually expresses a deeper hope, longing, or formal wish (like for a holiday). 'Querer' is the most common, everyday word for simple wants (I want coffee, I want to go home).
Is 'desear' always followed by the special verb form (subjunctive)?
No. It is only followed by the special form when you are wishing for *someone else* to do something (Deseo que tú vayas). If you are wishing for *yourself* to do something, use the base verb form (Deseo ir).