deseo
/deh-SEH-oh/
wish
As a noun, deseo means a wish, desire, or longing.
deseo(Noun)
wish
?making a wish, like on a birthday
,desire
?a strong feeling of wanting something
longing
?a deeper, more emotional want
📝 In Action
Pide un deseo antes de soplar las velas.
A2Make a wish before you blow out the candles.
Mi mayor deseo es viajar por todo el mundo.
B1My greatest desire is to travel all over the world.
Tengo el deseo de aprender un nuevo idioma.
B1I have the desire to learn a new language.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Tener' with 'Deseo'
You'll often hear 'tener el deseo de...' which literally means 'to have the desire to...' It's a slightly more formal or emphatic way to say you want to do something, compared to just 'querer'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Stronger than a Simple 'Want'
'Deseo' as a noun is a bit stronger and more heartfelt than a simple 'want'. Use it for things you really hope for, like wishes for the future or deep personal longings.
As a verb, deseo is the 'I wish' or 'I desire' form (e.g., 'I wish you luck').
deseo(Verb)
I wish
?expressing a hope or want for someone or something
,I desire
?a more formal or intense way to say 'I want'
📝 In Action
Te deseo mucha suerte en el examen.
A2I wish you a lot of luck on the exam.
Deseo que tengas un viaje maravilloso.
B1I wish for you to have a wonderful trip.
¿Qué desea tomar?
A2What would you like to drink? (polite, used by staff)
💡 Grammar Points
A Key to Unlock a Special Verb Form
When you say you wish for someone else to do something, the next verb often changes its ending. This special form is called the subjunctive. Notice the change: 'Deseo que tengas un buen día.' (I wish for you to have a good day.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Deseo' vs. 'Quiero'
Mistake: "Using 'Deseo un café' to order coffee in a casual cafe."
Correction: It's better to say 'Quiero un café.' 'Deseo' can sound a bit too formal or dramatic for simple, everyday wants. 'Quiero' is your normal, go-to verb for 'I want'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Wishing Well
The verb 'desear' is perfect for wishing people well. You'll use it all the time for birthdays ('Te deseo un feliz cumpleaños'), holidays, and wishing someone good luck.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: deseo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is the most natural and common way to order a drink in a casual Spanish cafe?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'deseo' and 'quiero'?
Think of 'quiero' (I want) as your everyday tool for requests and needs. 'Deseo' (I wish/desire) is for more heartfelt wishes ('I wish you luck'), formal situations ('What would you like, sir?'), or stronger longings. When in doubt, 'quiero' is usually the safer, more common choice.
Can I say 'Te deseo' to mean 'I love you'?
No, you shouldn't. 'Te deseo' means 'I desire you' or 'I want you' in a physical, often sexual, way. It's much more intense and physical than 'Te quiero' (I love you/I care for you) or 'Te amo' (I love you).