quisiste
/kee-SEE-steh/
you wanted
The image shows a past desire, illustrating the meaning "you wanted."
quisiste(verb)
you wanted
?past desire (informal singular)
you tried
?past attempt (often negated)
,you intended
?past intention
📝 In Action
¿Por qué no viniste? Yo te llamé, pero no quisiste contestar.
A2Why didn't you come? I called you, but you didn't want (or refused) to answer.
Tú quisiste ir al cine, pero yo preferí quedarme en casa.
A1You wanted to go to the cinema, but I preferred to stay home.
Ella dijo que quisiste ayudar, pero llegaste tarde.
B1She said that you tried to help, but you arrived late.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'U' Change
The verb 'querer' is highly irregular in the simple past (preterite). It changes its stem from 'que-' to 'quis-'. This is a common pattern for many important irregular verbs.
Preterite vs. Imperfect
Use 'quisiste' (preterite) when the desire started, ended, or was refused at a specific point in the past. Use 'querías' (imperfect) if the desire was ongoing or a background feeling.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong stem
Mistake: "Tú *queriste*."
Correction: Tú quisiste. Remember the 'u' sound in the simple past form of this verb.
⭐ Usage Tips
Meaning 'Refusal'
When 'quisiste' is used in the negative (No quisiste...), it often means 'you refused' or 'you wouldn't' rather than just 'you didn't want to'. It implies a strong, completed decision.
This image depicts past affection, illustrating the meaning "you loved."
quisiste(verb)
you loved
?past affection (informal singular)
you cared for
?showing specific care in the past
📝 In Action
Ella me dijo que tú la quisiste mucho cuando eran niños.
B1She told me that you loved her very much when you were children.
No sé por qué te fuiste, si tú me quisiste.
B2I don't know why you left, if you loved me.
En ese momento, quisiste a tu mascota más que a nadie.
A2In that moment, you loved your pet more than anyone.
💡 Grammar Points
Preterite and Emotion
When using the simple past (preterite) with 'querer' meaning 'to love', it often emphasizes the start or end of the feeling, or a specific, completed act of showing love. If the love was a long, ongoing state, 'querías' (imperfect) is usually better.
⭐ Usage Tips
Stronger Affection
While 'querer' means 'to love' in many contexts (especially for family and friends), 'amar' is often used for deep, romantic love. If the context is romantic, 'quisiste' might sound slightly less intense than 'amaste'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quisiste
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best captures the meaning of 'No quisiste abrir la puerta'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'quisiste' so irregular?
Many of the most important Spanish verbs (like 'querer', 'hacer', 'tener', 'venir') have unique, irregular patterns in the simple past tense. 'Quisiste' is part of the irregular group that uses the 'u' sound in the stem, which makes it easier to pronounce quickly.
How do I know if 'quisiste' means 'you wanted' or 'you loved'?
Look at the context. If 'querer' is followed by another verb (e.g., 'quisiste ir'), it means 'you wanted/tried'. If it's followed by a person or pet (e.g., 'quisiste a tu hermana'), it means 'you loved/cared for'.