quieras
/kyeh-rahs/
you want
Illustrating the meaning 'you want' in the context of an open choice, like 'Puedes tomar el postre que quieras' (You can have whichever dessert you want).
quieras(Verb)
you want
?Used in special situations like expressing wishes, doubts, or possibilities, not for stating a simple fact.
you may want
?when making a suggestion
,whatever you want
?part of the phrase 'lo que quieras'
📝 In Action
Puedes tomar el postre que quieras.
A2You can have whichever dessert you want.
Llámame cuando quieras, no hay problema.
A2Call me whenever you want, it's no problem.
No creo que quieras perderte esta película.
B1I don't think you want to miss this movie.
Hazlo como quieras, confío en ti.
B1Do it however you want, I trust you.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Maybe' or 'Feeling' Verb Form (Present Subjunctive)
'Quieras' is a special form of 'querer' used when things aren't certain, or are based on feelings, wishes, or commands. You'll often see it after phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...), 'No creo que...' (I don't think that...), or 'cuando' when talking about the future.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Quieres' Instead of 'Quieras'
Mistake: "Llámame cuando quieres."
Correction: Llámame cuando **quieras**. When 'cuando' (when) refers to a future action that hasn't happened yet, Spanish uses this special '-as' form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Giving Open-Ended Permission
Phrases like 'Haz lo que quieras' (Do what you want) or 'Ven cuando quieras' (Come whenever you want) are super common. They're a friendly, natural way to give someone freedom of choice.
Depicting the meaning 'you love' or 'you like,' often used when expressing hope or doubt about affection, as in 'Espero que me quieras' (I hope that you love me).
quieras(Verb)
you love / you like
?expressing affection for people, pets, etc., in hypothetical or emotional situations
you care for
?showing fondness in a non-factual statement
📝 In Action
Espero que me quieras por quien soy, no por lo que tengo.
B1I hope that you love me for who I am, not for what I have.
Dudo mucho que me quieras de verdad.
B1I really doubt that you truly love me.
Necesito un amigo que me quieras incondicionalmente.
B2I need a friend who will love me unconditionally.
💡 Grammar Points
Expressing Love with Uncertainty
Just like with 'wanting,' when you talk about loving someone in a context of doubt, hope, or emotion (like 'I doubt that you love me' or 'I hope that you love him'), you use this special 'quieras' form.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Querer' and 'Amar'
Mistake: "Busco a alguien que me ame. (While not wrong, it can sound very intense)."
Correction: Busco a alguien que me **quiera**. Both are possible, but 'querer' is more common for general love and affection for friends, family, and romantic partners. 'Amar' is often stronger and more profound. Using 'quieras' is usually a safe and natural choice.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quieras
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses a form of 'querer' to mean 'Call me when you want to in the future'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I just say 'quieres'? Why does it have to be 'quieras'?
Think of 'quieras' as the 'maybe' or 'feeling' form. You use the regular form 'quieres' to state a fact: 'Tú quieres helado' (You want ice cream). You use 'quieras' when it's not a fact, but a wish, a doubt, a command, or a future possibility, like in 'Espero que quieras helado' (I hope you want ice cream).
Is 'quieras' only for 'tú' (you, informal)?
Yes, 'quieras' is the specific form that pairs with 'tú'. For other people, the ending changes: 'quiera' for yo/él/ella/usted, 'queramos' for nosotros, 'queráis' for vosotros, and 'quieran' for ellos/ellas/ustedes.
I saw 'no quieras' in the conjugation table. When would I use that?
That's how you tell someone *not* to want something, which is a bit unusual but possible. For example, a parent might say to a child, 'No quieras siempre el juguete más caro' (Don't always want the most expensive toy). It's a negative command.