Inklingo

How to Say "to crave" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to crave” is “anhelar” — use 'anhelar' for a deep, often nostalgic, longing for something or someone you miss greatly, or a strong desire for a future state.

English → Spanish

anhelar

an-eh-LARa.neˈlaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'anhelar' for a deep, often nostalgic, longing for something or someone you miss greatly, or a strong desire for a future state.
A child looking out a window at a distant, colorful kite flying in the sky.

Examples

Anhelo el día en que podamos viajar libremente de nuevo.

I long for the day when we can travel freely again.

Anhelo volver a ver mi tierra algún día.

I long to see my homeland again one day.

Ella siempre ha anhelado una vida más tranquila.

She has always yearned for a quieter life.

Los ciudadanos anhelan la llegada de la paz.

The citizens crave the arrival of peace.

No preposition needed

Unlike English where you 'long FOR' something, in Spanish you use 'anhelar' directly with the thing you want. You don't need to add a word like 'por' or 'de' after it.

Linking to Actions

When you long to DO something, just put the next verb in its basic 'infinitive' form (ending in -ar, -er, or -ir), like in 'Anhelo viajar'.

Adding extra words

Mistake: “Anhelo por la paz.”

Correction: Anhelo la paz. (Spanish verbs like this usually connect directly to the object without needing 'por').

ansiar

ahn-see-AHRanˈsjaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'ansiar' for an intense, almost urgent want, often physical or emotional, for something you desire strongly in the present or near future.
A child looking longingly through a window at a bright red kite stuck in a tree.

Examples

Ansío unas vacaciones largas después de tanto trabajo.

I crave a long vacation after so much work.

Ella ansía las vacaciones de verano.

She longs for the summer holidays.

Ansiamos la llegada de la paz a la región.

We yearn for the arrival of peace in the region.

Tras años de espera, por fin obtuvo el éxito que tanto ansiaba.

After years of waiting, he finally achieved the success he craved so much.

Pronunciation Warning

Even though it is a regular verb, when you say 'ansío' or 'ansía,' you put the stress on the 'i'. This creates a clear break between the 'i' and the 'o/a' sounds.

Direct Objects

You can follow this word directly with the thing you want (e.g., 'Ansío la paz') or with another verb in its base form (e.g., 'Ansío volver').

Using 'por' after the verb

Mistake: “Ansío por verte.”

Correction: Ansío verte. (In Spanish, you crave 'something' directly, without needing a word like 'for' between them).

antojarse

an-toh-HAR-sehantoˈxaɾse

verbB1informal
Use 'antojarse' specifically when you have a sudden, specific craving for a particular food or drink.
A child looking at a bright red strawberry with wide, excited eyes.

Examples

Hoy se me antoja una pizza con mucho queso.

Today I feel like having a pizza with lots of cheese.

Se me antoja un café con leche.

I really feel like having a latte.

A Juan se le antojó ir a la playa de repente.

Juan suddenly felt like going to the beach.

Si se te antoja algo dulce, hay fruta en la cocina.

If you crave something sweet, there is fruit in the kitchen.

The 'Gustar' Structure

This verb works like 'gustar'. The thing you want is the subject, and you use 'me, te, le, nos, os, les' to show who wants it. For example, 'Se ME antoja un pan' literally means 'A bread craves itself to ME'.

The Constant 'Se'

Even though you change the 'me/te/le' part, the word 'se' almost always stays at the front of the phrase when using this as a craving.

Using 'Yo' directly

Mistake: “Yo antojo chocolate.”

Correction: Se me antoja chocolate. You need the 'se' and 'me' because the chocolate is triggering the feeling in you.

suspirar

soos-pee-RARsus.piˈɾaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'suspirar' to express a wistful or dreamy yearning for something or someone, often with a sense of unfulfillment.
A person looking out of a window toward a distant star with a hand over their heart, looking hopeful and longing.

Examples

Ella suspira por un amor que parece inalcanzable.

She yearns for a love that seems unattainable.

Él suspira por ella desde que eran niños.

He has been yearning for her since they were children.

Muchos jóvenes suspiran por un trabajo bien pagado.

Many young people crave a well-paid job.

Suspiraba por volver a ver el mar de su infancia.

He longed to see the sea of his childhood again.

The Power of 'Por'

When 'suspirar' means 'to yearn for,' you must use the word 'por' to connect it to the person or thing you desire.

Missing the 'Por'

Mistake: “Suspiro volver a casa.”

Correction: Suspiro POR volver a casa. Without the 'por,' the sentence feels incomplete to a Spanish speaker.

provocar

pro-bo-KARpɾoβoˈkaɾ

verbC1general
Use 'provocar' when you have a strong, immediate desire or urge for something specific, often a treat or indulgence.
A person looking happily at a large, delicious strawberry cupcake with pink frosting.

Examples

Me provoca comer algo dulce ahora mismo.

I feel like eating something sweet right now.

Me provoca un helado de chocolate.

I feel like a chocolate ice cream.

The 'Me' Structure

In this meaning, it works like the word 'gustar'. You say 'Me provoca...' (It provokes me...) to say 'I feel like...'

Anhelar vs. Ansiar vs. Antojarse

Learners often confuse 'anhelar' and 'ansiar' because both express strong desire. Remember 'anhelar' is usually for a more distant or lasting longing, while 'ansiar' is for a more immediate, intense want. 'Antojarse' is exclusively for food or drink cravings.

Related Translations

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