Inklingo
Dictionary

deseos

deh-SEH-ohsdeˈse.os

“deseos” means “wishes” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

wishesA1Noun

things you want

Learn more →
good wishesB1Noun

greetings for holidays or life events

Learn more →
lustB2Noun

physical or sensual craving

Learn more →

wishes, desiresAlso: cravings

NounmA1
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing a small child blowing the seeds off a dandelion puff, symbolizing making a wish.

📝 In Action

Mis deseos para el año nuevo son ser más saludable y viajar.

A2

My wishes for the new year are to be healthier and travel.

¿Cuáles son tus deseos más grandes en la vida?

B1

What are your biggest desires in life?

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • anhelos (longings)
  • ganas (urge, eagerness (often used with 'tener'))

Antonyms

  • rechazos (rejections)

Common Collocations

  • tener deseos – to have desires/to feel like
  • pedir deseos – to make wishes

good wishes, regardsAlso: compliments

NounmB1
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing two hands gently exchanging a small, brightly wrapped present.

📝 In Action

Les deseamos felices fiestas y nuestros mejores deseos para el próximo año.

B1

We wish you happy holidays and our best wishes for the coming year.

Envía mis deseos a tu familia.

B2

Send my regards to your family.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Common Collocations

  • mis mejores deseos – my best wishes
  • buenos deseos – good wishes

lustAlso: appetites

NounmB2
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a figure gazing intensely and longingly at a single, vibrant red apple on a pedestal, symbolizing craving.

📝 In Action

La novela describe los deseos ocultos del protagonista.

C1

The novel describes the hidden desires (or lusts) of the protagonist.

Sus deseos por el poder lo llevaron a la traición.

B2

His desire for power led him to betrayal.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • pasiones (passions)
  • apetitos (appetites)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • deseos carnales – fleshly desires

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "deseos" in Spanish:

appetitescomplimentscravingsgood wisheslustregards

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: deseos

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'deseos' in the context of 'good wishes' or greetings?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
deseo(wish (singular noun)) — Noun
desear(to wish, to desire) — Verb
deseable(desirable) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
paseosmuseos
📚 Etymology

Comes from the verb 'desear' (to wish), which itself comes from the Latin verb 'desiderare.' The original meaning was close to 'to long for' or 'to await what the stars reveal' (sīdus means star).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: desejosItalian: desideri

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'deseos' only used in the plural?

No. The singular form, 'deseo,' is very common and means 'a wish' or 'a desire.' We use the plural 'deseos' to talk about multiple wishes or general aspirations.

How do I say 'Make a wish' in Spanish?

The most common way is 'Pide un deseo' (Use the singular form for one wish) or 'Pedir deseos' (to make wishes in general).