quiere
/KYEH-reh/
wants
Here, 'quiere' shows a desire or want for something, like this boy who wants ice cream.
quiere(Verb)
wants
?desire for an object or action
would like
?polite desire
📝 In Action
El niño quiere un juguete.
A1The boy wants a toy.
¿Quieres ir al cine conmigo?
A1Do you want to go to the movies with me?
Ella quiere ser doctora.
A2She wants to be a doctor.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'querer' with another verb
To say you want to DO something, just add the basic '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form of the second verb right after 'querer'. For example, 'Quiero comer' (I want to eat).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'e' -> 'ie' change
Mistake: "Yo quero un café."
Correction: Say 'Yo quiero un café.' In the present tense, for most persons, the 'e' in 'querer' changes to 'ie'.
When used with people, 'quiere' expresses affection and love, like the love between family members.
quiere(Verb)
loves
?affection for a person
cares for
?fondness
,is fond of
?affection
📝 In Action
Mi perro me quiere mucho.
A2My dog loves me a lot.
Te quiero, papá.
A1I love you, dad.
Sus amigos la quieren por ser tan amable.
B1Her friends love her for being so kind.
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Personal 'a'
When you love or want a specific person or pet, you usually need to put the small word 'a' before them. For example, 'Ella quiere a su hermano'.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Querer' vs. 'Amar' for Love
'Te quiero' is perfect for family, friends, and romantic partners. 'Te amo' is usually saved for very deep, passionate, or romantic love. 'Te quiero' is more common in everyday life.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quiere
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'quiere' to mean 'loves' or 'cares for'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'quiere' and 'quisiera'?
'Quiere' means 'he/she wants' and is a direct statement of desire. 'Quisiera' is a more polite, softer way to say 'I would like'. You use 'quisiera' in a restaurant, for example: 'Quisiera un café, por favor.'
Is 'quiere' always for 'he' or 'she'?
Yes, 'quiere' is for 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), or 'usted' (the formal 'you'). For 'I want', you say 'quiero'. For the informal 'you want', you say 'quieres'.