quieran
/kee-EH-rahn/
they want
The children pointing at the kite show what they want, illustrating the meaning "they want."
quieran(Verb)
they want
?expressing a wish or desire (subjunctive)
,you (pl.) want
?formal 'ustedes' form (subjunctive)
they may want
?expressing doubt or uncertainty
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Mood
This form ('quieran') is the special verb ending used when the main verb expresses a wish, doubt, emotion, or command that influences a group of people (ellos/ellas/ustedes).
The 'Que' Connector
You almost always need the word 'que' right before 'quieran' to link the main idea (like 'I hope') to the secondary idea (what 'they want'). Example: 'Dudo que ellos quieran...'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Indicative vs. Subjunctive
Mistake: "No creo que ellos quieren venir."
Correction: No creo que ellos quieran venir. (Use 'quieran' because 'No creo' (I don't believe) expresses doubt, which requires the special verb ending.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Commands
The imperative form for formal commands (ustedes) is also 'quieran', but often used with 'no' to mean 'don't want'. Example: 'No quieran mentirme.' (Don't try to lie to me.)
The warm embrace between the teddy bears illustrates the feeling of affection or devotion, meaning "they love."
quieran(Verb)
they love
?expressing affection or devotion (subjunctive)
,you (pl.) love
?formal 'ustedes' form (subjunctive)
they care for
?expressing care or fondness
📝 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?
💡 Grammar Points
Expressing Emotion
When you talk about an emotion (like happiness, sadness, or surprise) regarding the affection that others feel, you must use the special subjunctive form 'quieran'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Amar' vs. 'Querer'
Mistake: "'Querer' is used for loving friends, family, or pets. 'Amar' is usually reserved for deep, romantic love or devotion, so don't use 'quieran' if you mean 'they adore' in a very intense, romantic way."
Correction:
⭐ Usage Tips
Reciprocal Love
To say 'they love each other,' always add 'se' before 'quieran': 'Es importante que se quieran.' (It's important that they love each other.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quieran
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'quieran'?
📚 More Resources
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.