How to Say "craving" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “craving” is “ansia” — use 'ansia' for a deep, often physical or existential longing for something significant, like travel or a life experience.
ansia
AHN-syahˈansja
Examples
Tengo un ansia enorme de viajar por el mundo.
I have a huge longing to travel the world.
Su ansia de poder lo llevó a tomar malas decisiones.
His craving for power led him to make bad decisions.
Comió con tanta ansia que ni siquiera saboreó la comida.
He ate with such greed that he didn't even taste the food.
The 'El' vs 'La' Rule
Even though 'ansia' is a feminine word, we say 'el ansia' in the singular. This is because the word starts with a stressed 'A' sound, and 'la ansia' would sound awkward (like 'laansia').
Using 'de' for connection
When you want to say what you are longing for, always follow 'ansia' with the word 'de'. For example: 'ansia de chocolate' or 'ansia de ganar'.
Using 'La' in singular
Mistake: “La ansia de libertad.”
Correction: El ansia de libertad. (In plural, however, it goes back to feminine: 'Las ansias').
ansiedad
ahn-syay-DAHDansjeˈðað
Examples
Esperaba la película con mucha ansiedad.
She waited for the movie with great eagerness/anticipation.
Tengo ansiedad de comer algo dulce después de cenar.
I have a craving to eat something sweet after dinner.
La ansiedad por ganar la carrera era evidente en sus ojos.
The eagerness to win the race was evident in his eyes.
Expressing Craving
When 'ansiedad' means 'craving' or 'strong desire,' it is often followed by 'de' and then the thing you want: 'ansiedad de chocolate' (craving for chocolate).
antojo
an-TO-hoanˈtoxo
Examples
Tengo un antojo de helado de chocolate.
I have a craving for chocolate ice cream.
Compró ese reloj por puro antojo.
He bought that watch on a total whim.
Durante su embarazo, ella tenía antojos muy extraños.
During her pregnancy, she had very strange cravings.
Using 'de' with Antojo
To say what you are craving, always follow the word 'antojo' with 'de'. For example: 'antojo de pizza'.
Antojo as a Naming Word
Since it is a masculine noun, always use 'el' or 'un' before it.
Don't use 'craving' as a verb
Mistake: “Yo antojo chocolate.”
Correction: Tengo antojo de chocolate.
apetito
ah-peh-TEE-tohapeˈtito
Examples
Ella tiene un apetito insaciable de conocimiento.
She has an insatiable appetite for knowledge.
Su ambición le dio un gran apetito de poder.
His ambition gave him a great appetite for power.
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').
sed
sedseð
Examples
El joven poeta tenía una sed insaciable de conocimiento.
The young poet had an insatiable thirst for knowledge.
La comunidad sentía una profunda sed de justicia.
The community felt a deep craving for justice.
Su sed de venganza lo llevó a cometer errores.
His thirst for revenge led him to commit mistakes.
Connecting the Desire
When using 'sed' in this figurative way, you almost always connect it to the desired thing using the preposition 'de' (of/for): 'sed de poder' (thirst for power).
hambre
ahm-brehˈambɾe
Examples
Tiene hambre de poder y no se detendrá ante nada.
He has a hunger for power and will stop at nothing.
Después de años sin viajar, tenía un hambre de aventura.
After years without traveling, she had a craving for adventure.
Su hambre de conocimiento era insaciable.
His thirst for knowledge was insatiable.
Antojo vs. Ansia/Ansiedad
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