querer
/keh-REHR/
to want
Use "querer" to express that you want or desire something.
querer(verb)
to want
?Expressing desire or preference
,to wish
?Expressing hope
to feel like
?Informal desire
📝 In Action
¿Qué quieres comer hoy?
A1What do you want to eat today?
Quiero que me ayudes con esto.
A2I want you to help me with this.
Ellos no quisieron venir a la fiesta.
A2They didn't want to come to the party (they refused).
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Querer' with Subjunctive
When you want someone else to do something, you must use the special verb form (subjunctive) in the second part of the sentence: 'Quiero que vayas (I want you to go).'
Irregular Present Tense
In the present tense, the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' (quiero, quieres, quiere), except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms (queremos, queréis).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Want and Need
Mistake: "Usando 'querer' para necesidades básicas (e.g., *Quiero agua* when desperate)."
Correction: While okay, 'Necesito agua' (I need water) is more forceful when expressing an essential requirement.
⭐ Usage Tips
Refusing in the Past
Using the preterite tense (quise, quiso) often means 'to try' or 'to refuse' depending on context. For example, 'No quise ir' means 'I refused to go.'
When showing affection for people or pets, "querer" means to love.
querer(verb)
to love
?Showing affection for people or pets
,to care for
?Deep attachment or affection
to be fond of
?Liking something very much
📝 In Action
Te quiero mucho, mamá.
A1I love you very much, Mom. (Standard way to express family love in many regions).
Él quiere a su perro como si fuera su hijo.
A2He loves his dog as if it were his child.
No sé si la quiero o solo la aprecio.
B1I don't know if I love her (romantically) or just appreciate her.
💡 Grammar Points
The Personal 'a'
When 'querer' means 'to love/care for' a specific person or pet, you must put the word 'a' before the person or pet: 'Quiero a mi abuela.'
Love vs. Love ('Querer' vs. 'Amar')
'Querer' is the default for family and friends. 'Amar' is usually reserved for deep, romantic love, poetry, or intense passion.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'a'
Mistake: "Yo quiero mi novio."
Correction: Yo quiero *a* mi novio. (You must mark the person receiving the affection with 'a').
⭐ Usage Tips
Safe Expression of Love
If you are unsure whether to use 'amar' or 'querer' for friends or family, 'querer' is always the safer, more standard choice.
In some contexts, "querer" can mean to intend or aim for a purpose.
querer(verb)
to intend
?Referring to an aim or purpose
,to try (to attempt)
?A failed effort (often implied by context)
to require
?Used in the impersonal sense ('it requires')
📝 In Action
Quiso arreglar el coche pero no pudo.
B1He tried to fix the car but he couldn't.
Este proyecto quiere mucho esfuerzo.
C1This project requires a lot of effort.
Querían entrar a la fuerza.
B2They attempted to enter by force.
💡 Grammar Points
Past Tense and Attempt
When used in the simple past (preterite: quise, quiso), 'querer' often shifts meaning from 'wanted' to 'tried' or 'attempted,' especially when the outcome was unsuccessful.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Overuse for 'Try'
Mistake: "Quiero probar el nuevo café."
Correction: Intento probar el nuevo café. (Use 'intentar' or 'tratar de' when the focus is purely on the action of 'trying' something out, not 'wanting' to.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: querer
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly uses 'querer' to express romantic love?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'querer' different from 'amar'?
'Querer' is the general word for 'love' or 'affection,' especially for family, friends, or general desire. 'Amar' is usually reserved for deep, passionate, or romantic love, often used in poetry or very intimate contexts.
Do I need the subjunctive verb form after 'querer'?
Yes, but only if you are expressing desire about *someone else's* actions. If you want *yourself* to do something, use the infinitive: 'Quiero estudiar' (I want to study). If you want *him* to study, use the subjunctive: 'Quiero que él estudie.'