quiere
“quiere” means “wants” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
wants
Also: would like
📝 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.
loves
Also: cares for, is fond of
📝 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.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: quiere
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'quiere' to mean 'loves' or 'cares for'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'quaerere', which meant 'to seek, to ask, or to look for'. Over time, the meaning of looking for something shifted to desiring or wanting that thing.
First recorded: Around the 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
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'.