Inklingo

How to Say "appetite" in Spanish

English → Spanish

apetito

/ah-peh-TEE-toh//apeˈtito/

nounA1/B1general
Use 'apetito' when referring to a desire for food, or a strong, non-food-related craving or interest.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a small, smiling child sitting at a table looking eagerly at a steaming bowl of soup.

Examples

Tengo mucho apetito después de correr.

I have a big appetite after running.

¿Perdiste el apetito? No has comido casi nada.

Did you lose your appetite? You haven't eaten hardly anything.

El olor del pan recién hecho me abrió el apetito.

The smell of freshly baked bread whetted my appetite.

Ella tiene un apetito insaciable de conocimiento.

She has an insatiable appetite for knowledge.

Using 'Tener' with Apetito

Unlike English, where you 'have' hunger (I am hungry), in Spanish, you use the verb 'tener' (to have) with 'apetito': 'Tengo apetito' (I have appetite).

Figurative Use Pattern

When used figuratively, 'apetito' is almost always followed by the preposition 'de' (of) to indicate what the desire is for (e.g., 'apetito de aventura').

Using Ser/Estar

Mistake: “Soy apetito. / Estoy apetito.”

Correction: Tengo apetito. 'Apetito' is a noun, so you 'have' it, you don't 'be' it.

gana

GAH-nah/ˈɡana/

nounA1general
Use 'gana' primarily to express hunger or a strong desire/urge for something, often used in expressions like 'tener ganas de'.
A storybook illustration of a child gazing longingly at a large, colorful slice of chocolate cake on a pedestal, representing strong desire.

Examples

Tengo muchas ganas de verte pronto.

I really want to see you soon. / I have a big desire to see you soon.

¿Tienes ganas de ir al cine esta noche?

Do you feel like going to the movies tonight?

Perdió las ganas de luchar después de la derrota.

He lost the will/desire to fight after the defeat.

Expressing Desire with 'Tener'

To express wanting to do something, you must use the verb 'tener' (to have) with 'ganas.' Always follow it with 'de' and then the action: 'Tengo ganas de comer' (I want to eat).

Using 'Ser' or 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy ganas de bailar.”

Correction: Tengo ganas de bailar. (You 'have' the feeling, you don't 'are' the feeling.)

Distinguishing 'apetito' and 'ganas'

Learners often confuse 'apetito' and 'ganas'. Remember that 'apetito' is more directly related to a physical desire for food or a strong, specific craving. 'Ganas' is broader and often used to express a general feeling of wanting or looking forward to something.

Related Translations

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