quiso
“quiso” means “wanted” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
wanted, loved
Also: desired
📝 In Action
Ella quiso un vestido azul para la fiesta.
A2She wanted a blue dress for the party.
Mi jefe quiso que le diéramos el informe ayer.
B1My boss wanted us to give him the report yesterday.
Usted nunca quiso la verdad, solo dinero.
B2You (formal) never wanted the truth, only money.
tried (to), refused (to)
Also: meant (to)
📝 In Action
Ella quiso abrir la puerta, pero estaba cerrada.
B2She tried to open the door, but it was locked. (The action of trying happened.)
El niño no quiso comer los vegetales, aunque le insistí.
B2The child refused to eat the vegetables, even though I insisted.
La máquina quiso encenderse, pero se apagó de nuevo.
C1The machine attempted to turn on, but it shut down again.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: quiso
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'quiso' to mean 'refused'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'querer' comes from the Latin verb *quaerere*, meaning 'to seek, look for, or ask for.' Over time, the meaning evolved into the simpler idea of 'desiring' or 'wanting.'
First recorded: 10th century (as Old Spanish 'querer')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'quiso' so different from the infinitive 'querer'?
'Quiso' is a strong reminder that 'querer' is an irregular verb. In the simple past (preterite), it uses an entirely different base form ('quis-') instead of just adding a standard ending. You just have to memorize this change, as it follows a pattern shared by other important verbs like 'hacer' (hizo) and 'venir' (vino).
Does 'quiso' mean 'loved'?
It can mean 'loved,' but usually only if you're talking about a very specific, completed action of loving (e.g., 'He loved her for one year, and then they broke up'). If you mean someone generally loved or cared for someone over a long period, the imperfect 'quería' is much more natural.