quieran
“quieran” means “they want” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
they want, you (pl.) want
Also: they may want
📝 In Action
Espero que mis invitados quieran probar el postre.
A2I hope that my guests want to try the dessert.
Necesito que ellos me digan lo que quieran hacer.
B1I need them to tell me what they want to do.
No creo que ustedes quieran salir con esta lluvia.
B1I don't think that you (pl.) want to go out in this rain.
they love, you (pl.) love
Also: they care for
📝 In Action
Me alegra que mis hijos quieran a su abuela.
B1It makes me happy that my children love their grandmother.
Es triste que no se quieran entre ellos.
B2It is sad that they don't love each other.
¿Cree usted que los vecinos quieran a su nuevo gato?
B1Do you believe the neighbors love their new cat?
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: quieran
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'quieran'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'querer' comes from the Latin verb *quaerere*, meaning 'to seek, ask for, or look for.' Over time, the meaning shifted in Spanish to express the desire that drives the seeking ('to want').
First recorded: Old Spanish (c. 10th-11th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'quieren' and 'quieran'?
'Quieren' is the standard form (Present Indicative) used for facts or certainties: 'They want the book.' ('Ellos quieren el libro.'). 'Quieran' is the special form (Present Subjunctive) used when expressing desire, doubt, emotion, or influence regarding what they want: 'I doubt they want the book.' ('Dudo que ellos quieran el libro.').
Does 'quieran' always refer to 'ellos' (they)?
No. 'Quieran' is the form used for both 'ellos' (they, masculine or mixed group), 'ellas' (they, feminine), and 'ustedes' (you, plural, formal). The context tells you which group is being referred to.