quieres
/KYEH-res/
you want
Quieres is what you say when asking someone if they want something, like a delicious piece of cake.
quieres(Verb)
you want
?desire for an object or action
do you want
?when asking a question
📝 In Action
¿Quieres un vaso de agua?
A1Do you want a glass of water?
Si quieres, podemos ir al cine.
A2If you want, we can go to the movies.
No sé qué quieres hacer esta noche.
A2I don't know what you want to do tonight.
💡 Grammar Points
Asking Questions
To ask 'Do you want...?', you simply say '¿Quieres...?' with a rising tone. The word order is simple!
Wanting To Do Something
To say you want to do an action, just follow 'quieres' with the basic '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form of a verb, like 'quieres comer' (you want to eat).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Quiero' for Polite Requests
Mistake: "Using 'quiero un café' when ordering from a barista."
Correction: It's much more polite to use 'quisiera un café' (I would like a coffee). 'Quiero' can sound a bit too direct or demanding to a stranger.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing a Wish for Someone Else
When you want something to happen for someone else, the next verb often changes its ending. For example: 'Quiero que vengas' (I want you to come).
Besides 'wanting' things, querer is also used to say you love or care for people, like friends and family.
📝 In Action
Eres mi mejor amigo, te quiero mucho.
A2You're my best friend, I love you a lot.
¿Me quieres de verdad?
A2Do you really love me?
Claro que te quiero, pero como amigo.
B1Of course I care for you, but as a friend.
💡 Grammar Points
Loving People vs. Things
When you use 'querer' to talk about loving a person, you need to add 'a' before their name or title. For example, 'Quieres a tu hermano' (You love your brother).
⭐ Usage Tips
'Querer' vs. 'Amar'
'Querer' is the most common way to say 'I love you' to family, friends, and even romantic partners. 'Amar' is usually saved for very deep, passionate, or romantic love.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quieres
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'quieres' to mean 'you love'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the verb change from 'querer' to 'quieres'?
In Spanish, verbs change their endings to show who is doing the action. The '-es' ending on 'quieres' is the special ending for 'tú' (the informal 'you'). This is similar to how English adds an '-s' for 'he/she' (he wants).
Is it rude to say 'Quiero...' when I'm at a restaurant?
It can sound a little too direct or demanding. It's not exactly rude, but it's much more polite to say 'Quisiera...' (I would like...) or 'Me gustaría...' (I would like...). Save 'quiero' for when you're talking with friends and family.
What's the difference between '¿Qué quieres?' and '¿Qué deseas?'
'¿Qué quieres?' is very common and used every day. '¿Qué deseas?' means the same thing ('What do you wish/desire?') but it sounds much more formal. You might hear a waiter or a shopkeeper say '¿Qué desea?', but you'd usually use '¿Qué quieres?' with a friend.