quiera
“quiera” means “want” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
want
Also: love / like
📝 In Action
Espero que ella quiera el regalo.
A2I hope she wants the gift.
No creo que yo quiera ir a la fiesta.
B1I don't think I want to go to the party.
Dígale que pase cuando usted quiera.
B1Tell him to come in whenever you want.
Quizás él no me quiera.
B2Maybe he doesn't love me.
📝 In Action
Puedes sentarte donde quiera que haya espacio.
B1You can sit wherever there is space.
Quien quiera puede venir a la reunión.
B1Whoever wants to can come to the meeting.
Hazlo como quiera que te parezca mejor.
B2Do it however seems best to you.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: quiera
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'quiera' to express a wish?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb 'quaerere', which meant 'to seek, ask, or inquire'. Over time in Spanish, its meaning shifted from 'seeking' something to 'wanting' or 'desiring' it.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'quiera' and 'quisiera'?
Great question! Both are special forms of 'querer'. 'Quiera' is used for present wishes or doubts (e.g., 'Espero que quiera' - 'I hope he wants'). 'Quisiera' is often used to make very polite requests, like saying 'I would like...' (e.g., 'Quisiera un café' - 'I would like a coffee'). Think of 'quiera' as 'I hope he wants' and 'quisiera' as 'I would like'.
Why don't I just say 'quiere' after 'espero que'?
In English, we use the same verb form for facts ('He wants') and wishes ('I hope he wants'). But Spanish has a special 'mood' for things that aren't certain reality, like wishes, doubts, and emotions. Phrases like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'no creo que' (I don't think that) act as signals that you need to switch to this special form, which is 'quiera'.