Inklingo

How to Say "to wish" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desear

/deh-seh-AR//deseˈaɾ/

verbA1
Use 'desear' to express a hope or a strong longing for something, often something more significant or abstract.
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').

querer

keh-REHR/keˈɾeɾ/

verbA1informal
Use 'querer' when expressing a more direct want or desire for something, often in a casual or everyday context.
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 vs. Querer for 'to wish'

Learners often confuse 'desear' and 'querer' when translating 'to wish.' Remember that 'desear' is for deeper hopes and dreams, while 'querer' is for everyday wants. Using 'querer' for a profound wish can sound too casual.

Related Translations

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