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How to Say "craving" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “craving” is “ansiedad” — use 'ansiedad' when you have a strong, almost anxious desire or eagerness for something, often related to anticipation or a specific, tangible item..

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ansiedad

ahn-syay-DAHD/ansjeˈðað/

nounA2general
Use 'ansiedad' when you have a strong, almost anxious desire or eagerness for something, often related to anticipation or a specific, tangible item.
A smiling child standing on tiptoes, eagerly peering over a brightly colored gift box. The child looks highly excited and anticipatory.

Examples

Tengo ansiedad por probar esa nueva tarta.

I have a craving to try that new cake.

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).

apetito

/ah-peh-TEE-toh//apeˈtito/

nounB1general
Use 'apetito' to describe a strong desire or appetite for something more abstract, like knowledge, success, or experiences.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a small character standing on a hill, looking with great excitement and longing toward a distant, brightly colored red kite flying high in the blue sky.

Examples

Desarrolló un gran apetito por la aventura.

He developed a great craving for adventure.

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').

hambre

/ahm-breh//ˈambɾe/

nounB2general
Use 'hambre' when the craving is intense and all-consuming, often implying a powerful, almost desperate need for something, whether tangible or intangible.
A determined young student enthusiastically reaching out toward a massive, illuminated, open book floating above them, symbolizing an intense thirst or craving for knowledge.

Examples

Siente un hambre feroz de justicia.

He has a fierce craving for justice.

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.

sed

/sed//seð/

nounB2general
Use 'sed' metaphorically to express an intense, unquenchable longing or thirst for something abstract, similar to 'apetito' but often with a stronger sense of deep need.
A person intensely reaching out for a single, shiny gold coin on a pedestal, representing a strong craving or desire.

Examples

Tenía una sed ardiente de venganza.

He had a burning craving for revenge.

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).

Confusing 'ansiedad' with 'apetito' or 'hambre'

Learners often use 'ansiedad' for any strong desire, but it's best reserved for eagerness or anticipation. For a general strong desire, 'apetito' or 'hambre' are usually better choices, with 'hambre' implying a more intense need.

Related Translations

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