Inklingo

How to Say "to want" in Spanish

English → Spanish

querer

keh-REHR/keˈɾeɾ/

verbA1
Use 'querer' to express general desire, preference, or what you would like to have or do in everyday situations.
A small child with wide eyes and a beaming smile points eagerly at a bright red toy car sitting on a shelf, clearly expressing desire.

Examples

¿Qué quieres comer hoy?

What do you want to eat today?

Quiero que me ayudes con esto.

I want you to help me with this.

Ellos no quisieron venir a la fiesta.

They didn't want to come to the party (they refused).

Using 'Querer' with Subjunctive

When you want someone else to do something, you must use the special verb form (subjunctive) in the second part of the sentence: 'Quiero que vayas (I want you to go).'

Irregular Present Tense

In the present tense, the 'e' in the stem changes to 'ie' (quiero, quieres, quiere), except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms (queremos, queréis).

Confusing Want and Need

Mistake: “Usando 'querer' para necesidades básicas (e.g., *Quiero agua* when desperate).”

Correction: While okay, 'Necesito agua' (I need water) is more forceful when expressing an essential requirement.

desear

/deh-seh-AR//deseˈaɾ/

verbA1
Use 'desear' when you want to express a strong wish or longing for something, often something significant or aspirational.
A small child standing outside at night, looking up at a single bright star with hopeful eyes and hands clasped together.

Examples

Deseo viajar por todo el mundo algún día.

I wish to travel all over the world someday.

Mi hermano desea un coche nuevo para su cumpleaños.

My brother wants a new car for his birthday.

Deseamos que tengas suerte en tu examen.

We wish that you have luck on your exam.

Using 'Desear' for Yourself

If you are wishing for your own action, use the infinitive (the base verb form): 'Deseo comer ahora' (I wish to eat now).

Desiring Someone Else's Action

If you wish for someone else to do something, you must use 'que' followed by the special verb form (the subjunctive): 'Deseo que comas ahora' (I wish that you eat now).

Forgetting the 'Special Form'

Mistake: “Deseo que tú comes bien. (Using the regular form)”

Correction: Deseo que tú comas bien. (Using the special form 'comas' is required after 'desear que').

pretender

/pre-ten-DARE//pɾetenˈdeɾ/

verbB1
Use 'pretender' to indicate that you have a specific goal or aim, and you intend to achieve a particular outcome.
A person looking at a mountain peak with a backpack, ready to start their climb.

Examples

Pretendo terminar mi carrera este año.

I intend to finish my degree this year.

¿Qué pretendes con ese comentario?

What are you aiming for with that comment?

Intent vs. Make-Believe

Unlike the English word 'pretend,' this Spanish word usually means you have a goal or intention, not that you are playing make-believe.

False Friend Warning

Mistake: “Using 'pretender' to mean 'to act like a pirate' or 'to play-act'.”

Correction: Use 'aparentar' (to seem) or 'hacerse el' (to act like) for English-style 'pretending'. Use 'pretender' when you mean 'I plan to'.

Querer vs. Desear

Learners often confuse 'querer' and 'desear'. While both express wanting, 'querer' is for everyday desires and preferences, whereas 'desear' conveys a deeper, more intense wish or aspiration. Using 'desear' for simple requests can sound overly formal or dramatic.

Related Translations

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