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📖2 definitions
📚 gana has 2 definitions
A storybook illustration of a child gazing longingly at a large, colorful slice of chocolate cake on a pedestal, representing strong desire.

gana

GAH-nah

nounfA1
desire?wish or inclination,will?determination or drive, often used in singular
Also:appetite?hunger,urge?strong impulse

📝 In Action

Tengo muchas ganas de verte pronto.

A1

I really want to see you soon. / I have a big desire to see you soon.

¿Tienes ganas de ir al cine esta noche?

A1

Do you feel like going to the movies tonight?

Perdió las ganas de luchar después de la derrota.

B1

He lost the will/desire to fight after the defeat.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • deseo (desire)
  • apetito (appetite)

Antonyms

  • pereza (laziness/unwillingness)

Common Collocations

  • Tener ganas de – To feel like doing something/to want to
  • Echarle ganas – To put effort/drive into something

💡 Grammar Points

Expressing Desire with 'Tener'

To express wanting to do something, you must use the verb 'tener' (to have) with 'ganas.' Always follow it with 'de' and then the action: 'Tengo ganas de comer' (I want to eat).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Ser' or 'Estar'

Mistake: "Soy ganas de bailar."

Correction: Tengo ganas de bailar. (You 'have' the feeling, you don't 'are' the feeling.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Plural is Key

Although the singular 'gana' exists for 'will' or 'appetite,' almost all expressions of desire use the plural form, 'ganas,' as in 'Tengo ganas de...'

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: gana

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses the noun meaning of 'gana'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

ganar(to win/to earn) - verb
ganador(winner) - noun
ganancia(profit/earnings) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is 'gana' usually plural ('ganas') when I want to express desire?

This is simply how Spanish speakers express the feeling! Think of 'ganas' as 'a collection of desires.' Always use 'Tengo ganas de...' to say you want to do something.

Is 'gana' a tricky word because it has two parts of speech?

Yes, but context makes it clear. If you see 'Tengo ganas...' (I have desires), it's the noun. If you see 'Él gana...' (He wins/earns), it's the verb 'ganar.' The difference is usually obvious based on the verb used with it.