Inklingo
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deseos

/deh-SEH-ohs/

wishes

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

Representing things you want, like making a wish.

deseos(Noun)

mA1

wishes

?

things you want

,

desires

?

deep longings

Also:

cravings

?

strong, immediate wants, usually for food/drink

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'Deseos' with the Subjunctive

When talking about someone else's desires, the next verb usually goes into its special 'wish' form (subjunctive): 'Tengo deseos de que TÚ VENGAS' (I have a desire for you to come).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Deseos' and 'Ganas'

Mistake: "Using 'deseos' for a quick urge, like 'Tengo deseos de comer pizza.'"

Correction: Use 'ganas' for immediate urges: 'Tengo ganas de comer pizza.' 'Deseos' implies a more significant, long-term desire.

⭐ Usage Tips

The Singular Form

The singular, 'deseo', is used when talking about one specific wish, while 'deseos' (plural) is often used for general aspirations or collections of wishes.

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

Representing greetings or well-wishing for holidays or life events.

deseos(Noun)

mB1

good wishes

?

greetings for holidays or life events

,

regards

?

polite term used in closing a letter

Also:

compliments

?

when sending greetings on behalf of someone else

📝 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

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Phrases

This meaning of 'deseos' is often found in fixed, formal expressions, especially when signing off a card or letter.

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.

Representing physical or sensual craving.

deseos(Noun)

mB2

lust

?

physical or sensual craving

Also:

appetites

?

strong natural urges

📝 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

  • indiferencia (indifference)

Common Collocations

  • deseos carnales – fleshly desires

⭐ Usage Tips

Context is Key

In this context, 'deseos' often refers to powerful, driving emotional or physical forces, unlike the lighter, general wishes in Meaning 1.

✏️ 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

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).