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How to Say "want" in Spanish

English → Spanish

quiera

/kyeh-rah//ˈkje.ɾa/

VerbA2General
Use 'quiera' primarily when expressing hopes, wishes, or desires, especially in the subjunctive mood, often following verbs like 'esperar' (to hope) or 'querer' (to want).
A child sitting on the floor, looking longingly and hopefully at a brightly wrapped, colorful gift box placed a short distance away.

Examples

Espero que ella quiera el regalo.

I hope she wants the gift.

No creo que yo quiera ir a la fiesta.

I don't think I want to go to the party.

Dígale que pase cuando usted quiera.

Tell him to come in whenever you want.

The 'Maybe' Verb Form (Present Subjunctive)

'Quiera' is a special form of 'querer' (to want). You use it when talking about wishes, doubts, or possibilities, not definite facts. Think of it as the 'I hope' or 'what if' form.

Using 'quiere' instead of 'quiera'

Mistake: “Espero que él quiere venir.”

Correction: Espero que él quiera venir. The phrase 'espero que' (I hope that) signals a wish, not a fact, so you need the special 'quiera' form.

desee

deh-SEH-eh/deˈse.e/

VerbB1Formal
Choose 'desee' for a more formal expression of wanting or wishing, often implying a deeper desire or aspiration, and typically used in polite or formal contexts.
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.)

necesidad

/ne-se-see-dad//nesesiˈðað/

NounB1General
Use 'necesidad' when 'want' refers to a state of lacking something essential, implying a need or requirement rather than a mere desire.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a single, overturned, empty wooden bowl lying on barren, dusty ground, symbolizing a state of extreme lack.

Examples

La crisis sumió a muchas familias en la necesidad.

The crisis plunged many families into destitution/want.

Ayudamos a los que viven en necesidad extrema.

We help those who live in extreme poverty.

Use with 'Vivir' or 'Sumergir'

This meaning often appears after verbs like 'vivir' (to live) or 'sumergir' (to plunge), emphasizing the state of being poor or deprived.

Verb vs. Noun Usage

The most common mistake is using a verb form like 'quiera' or 'desee' when the English 'want' actually signifies a noun meaning 'need' or 'lack'. Always check if 'want' implies a desire (verb) or a deficiency (noun 'necesidad').

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