Spanish Needs & Wants Phrases
Master 18 essential Spanish phrases for needs-wants with translations, context, and usage examples
Understanding Spanish needs-wants Phrases
Express needs, wants, desires, and requirements in Spanish. Learn to communicate necessities, wishes, and preferences using "necesitar," "querer," "desear," and related expressions.
When to Use These Phrases
Use "necesitar" (need) for necessities, "querer" (want) for desires. "Necesitar" + noun/infinitive, "querer" + noun/infinitive. More polite: "Me gustaría" (I would like) or "Quisiera" (I would like - conditional).
Learning Tips for needs-wants Phrases
- Need: "Necesito..." (I need...), "Me hace falta..." (I lack/need...), "Requiero..." (I require - formal)
- Want: "Quiero..." (I want...), "Me gustaría..." (I would like...), "Deseo..." (I wish/desire...)
- Polite: "Quisiera..." (I would like...), "Me interesaría..." (I would be interested in...)
- Urgency: "Necesito urgentemente..." (I urgently need...), "Es imprescindible" (It's essential)
Essential needs-wants Phrases
Start with these commonly used expressions for needs-wants situations
Complete List of needs-wants Phrases
Black coffee
Café negro
For here or to go
¿Para comer aquí o para llevar?
Gluten free
Sin gluten
I am a vegetarian
Soy vegetariano / Soy vegetariana
I am hungry
Tengo hambre
I am looking for a job
Estoy buscando trabajo.
I am thirsty
Tengo sed.
I am vegan
Soy vegano / Soy vegana
I don't eat meat
No como carne
I have a food allergy
Tengo alergia a...
I have a headache
Me duele la cabeza
I need a taxi
Necesito un taxi
I need medicine
Necesito medicina
Leave me alone
Déjame en paz
Rare, Medium, Well Done
Rojo / Término medio / Bien cocido
Sparkling water
Agua con gas
We are looking for
Estamos buscando
Without ice
Sin hielo
Frequently Asked Questions About Spanish needs-wants Phrases
How do you express needs in Spanish?
"Necesito..." (I need...) + noun/infinitive. Examples: "Necesito ayuda" (I need help), "Necesito comer" (I need to eat). Also: "Me hace falta..." (I lack/need...), "Requiero..." (I require - formal), "Es necesario..." (It's necessary...), "Hace falta..." (It's needed...).
How do you say "I want" in Spanish?
Direct: "Quiero..." (I want...). Polite: "Me gustaría..." (I would like...), "Quisiera..." (I would like... - conditional), "Desearía..." (I would wish...). Examples: "Quiero café" (I want coffee), "Me gustaría viajar" (I would like to travel). "Quisiera" is more polite than "quiero."
What's the difference between "necesitar" and "querer"?
"Necesitar" = need (necessity, requirement): "Necesito agua" (I need water - essential). "Querer" = want (desire, preference): "Quiero helado" (I want ice cream - desire, not necessity). Use "necesitar" for essentials, "querer" for wishes.
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