Inklingo

How to Say "eager" in Spanish

English → Spanish

ansioso

/ahn-SYOH-soh//anˈsjo.so/

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'ansioso' when you feel a strong, positive desire or anticipation for something to happen soon.
A puppy sitting excitedly by a closed red door, leaning forward with its tail wagging vigorously, clearly eager to go outside.

Examples

Estoy ansioso por empezar mis vacaciones en la playa.

I am eager to start my beach vacation.

Los niños estaban ansiosos de abrir sus regalos.

The children were keen (or impatient) to open their presents.

Positive Anticipation

When 'ansioso' means 'eager,' it often describes a positive or exciting feeling, even though the root word 'ansiedad' (anxiety) is usually negative.

impaciente

/eem-pah-syen-teh//im.paˈθjen.te/

AdjectiveA2General
Choose 'impaciente' when the eagerness is characterized by a lack of patience and a feeling of restlessness while waiting.
A person standing by a closed door, tapping their foot and looking at their empty wrist with a frustrated expression.

Examples

Mi hermano es muy impaciente; nunca puede esperar cinco minutos.

My brother is very impatient; he can never wait five minutes.

Estoy impaciente por empezar mis vacaciones.

I am eager to start my vacation.

La multitud se puso impaciente cuando el concierto se retrasó.

The crowd grew impatient when the concert was delayed.

One word for everyone

This word ends in -e, which means it doesn't change for gender. You can use it for 'él' (him), 'ella' (her), or 'usted' (you) without changing the ending.

Ser vs. Estar

Use 'ser' if someone is naturally an impatient person, and 'estar' if they are just feeling impatient right now.

Avoid 'impacienta'

Mistake: “Ella es impacienta.”

Correction: Say 'Ella es impaciente.' The word never ends in 'a' or 'o'.

hambriento

/ahm-bree-EN-toh//amˈbɾjen.to/

AdjectiveB2Figurative
Use 'hambriento' metaphorically to express a strong, almost desperate craving or ambition for something, like success or recognition.
A young boy in bright red running shoes is crouched low at a starting line, looking intensely focused and eager to start running.

Examples

El joven artista estaba hambriento de reconocimiento internacional.

The young artist was hungry for international recognition.

Era una organización hambrienta de poder y control.

It was an organization greedy for power and control.

Ansioso vs. Impaciente

Learners often confuse 'ansioso' and 'impaciente'. Remember that 'ansioso' is about strong desire or anticipation, while 'impaciente' specifically relates to the frustration of waiting. If you can't wait because you're excited, use 'ansioso'; if you can't wait because you're annoyed by the delay, use 'impaciente'.

Related Translations

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