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How to Say "desire" in Spanish

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gana

GAH-nah/ˈɡana/

nounA1informal
Use 'gana' when expressing a strong inclination or eagerness to do something, often used in the phrase '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.)

deseo

/deh-SEH-oh//deˈseo/

nounA2
Use 'deseo' to talk about a specific wish or a strong longing for something, like a wish made on a birthday.
A child standing in a field at night, gently holding a single, glowing, magical star in their cupped hands, symbolizing a wish or strong desire.

Examples

Pide un deseo antes de soplar las velas.

Make a wish before you blow out the candles.

Mi mayor deseo es viajar por todo el mundo.

My greatest desire is to travel all over the world.

Tengo el deseo de aprender un nuevo idioma.

I have the desire to learn a new language.

Using 'Tener' with 'Deseo'

You'll often hear 'tener el deseo de...' which literally means 'to have the desire to...' It's a slightly more formal or emphatic way to say you want to do something, compared to just 'querer'.

desee

deh-SEH-eh/deˈse.e/

verbB1formal
Use 'desee' as the subjunctive form of the verb 'desear' (to desire/wish), typically used in formal contexts or when expressing doubt, emotion, or a wish about someone else's actions.
A storybook illustration showing a child with their eyes closed and hands clasped together in front of their chest, concentrating on making a wish.

Examples

No creo que usted desee ir solo a esa reunión.

I don't believe that you (formal) wish to go to that meeting alone.

Ojalá que yo desee lo mismo que tú.

I hope that I desire the same thing as you.

Desee un buen viaje a todos sus invitados.

Wish all your guests a good trip. (Formal command)

The Subjunctive Mood

This form ('desee') is part of a special verb system used to talk about things that are not facts, like hopes, doubts, emotions, or requests. It is often triggered by verbs of wishing (like espero que).

Two Roles for 'Desee'

'Desee' can mean 'that I wish' (yo) or 'that he/she/you formal wish' (él/ella/usted) in a sentence describing a wish. It is also the formal command for 'Wish!'

Using the Indicative for Wishes

Mistake: “Espero que ella desea venir.”

Correction: Espero que ella desee venir. (When the wishing verb and the desired action have different subjects, you must use the special verb form.)

Noun vs. Verb Confusion

Learners often confuse the nouns 'deseo' and 'gana' with the verb form 'desee'. Remember that 'deseo' and 'gana' refer to the feeling or the wish itself, while 'desee' is the conjugated verb form used when someone is actively desiring or wishing.

Related Translations

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