desear
/deh-seh-AR/
to wish
When you desear (wish) for something, you express a hope or desire.
desear(verb)
to wish
?to express a hope or desire
,to want
?as a strong desire, interchangeable with 'querer'
to long for
?strong, romantic desire
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Desear' for Yourself
If you are wishing for your own action, use the infinitive (the base verb form): 'Deseo comer ahora' (I wish to eat now).
Desiring Someone Else's Action
If you wish for someone else to do something, you must use 'que' followed by the special verb form (the subjunctive): 'Deseo que comas ahora' (I wish that you eat now).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'Special Form'
Mistake: "Deseo que tú comes bien. (Using the regular form)"
Correction: Deseo que tú comas bien. (Using the special form 'comas' is required after 'desear que').
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal Wanting
While 'querer' (to want) is more common in everyday speech, 'desear' often sounds slightly more formal or expresses a deeper, more profound wish or longing.
To desear can mean to wish someone well, often when saying goodbye.
desear(verb)
to wish someone well
?to convey good wishes, often in parting
to send regards
?to convey greetings or best wishes via someone else
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Use
When wishing something to someone, the person is often the direct object. Example: 'Te deseo lo mejor' (I wish the best to you).
⭐ Usage Tips
Holiday Greetings
This is the standard verb for almost all holiday greetings: 'Te deseo una feliz Navidad/un próspero Año Nuevo.'
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ 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
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).