Inklingo

How to Say "wanted" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “wanted” is “buscado” — use 'buscado' when referring to something or someone that is in high demand or actively sought after, especially in a professional or market context..

English → Spanish

buscado

boo-SKAH-doh/busˈkaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use 'buscado' when referring to something or someone that is in high demand or actively sought after, especially in a professional or market context.
A shiny, highly desirable red toy car resting on a pedestal, with several children lining up and pointing at it, showing it is sought-after.

Examples

Es un talento muy buscado en el mundo de la música.

He is a very sought-after talent in the music world.

La policía capturó al criminal más buscado del país.

The police captured the country's most wanted criminal.

Las flores más buscadas son las rosas rojas.

The most desired flowers are red roses.

Adjective Agreement

When 'buscado' describes a noun, it must match the noun's gender and number. Examples: 'el libro buscado' (m. sing.), 'la joya buscada' (f. sing.), 'los artículos buscados' (m. plural).

deseado

/deh-seh-AH-doh//de.seˈa.ðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'deseado' to describe an outcome, result, or object that was hoped for or wished for but not necessarily actively pursued in the market.
A small child reaching up with a smile towards a bright red balloon floating just above them.

Examples

El equipo finalmente obtuvo el resultado deseado.

The team finally obtained the desired result.

Es el juguete más deseado por los niños este año.

It is the most wanted toy by children this year.

Por fin llegó el día deseado por toda la familia.

The day longed-for by the whole family finally arrived.

Matching the Noun

Since this word ends in '-o', it is used for masculine things. If you describe a feminine thing, change it to 'deseada'.

The 'Completed Action' Form

This word is also the 'past participle' of the action word 'desear' (to desire). It stays exactly like this when used after 'haber' to say you 'have desired' something.

Forget the 'o' to 'a' change

Mistake: “La meta deseado.”

Correction: La meta deseada. Because 'meta' is feminine, the describing word must match it.

adjectiveB1general
Use 'querido' to describe something or someone that is cherished, loved, or held dear, often implying affection rather than demand or desire for acquisition.

Examples

Los juguetes de la infancia son muy queridos por los adultos.

Childhood toys are very loved by adults.

quiso

/kee-so//ˈkiso/

verbA2general
Use 'quiso' (preterite of querer) to indicate that someone wanted something or someone in the past, referring to a specific instance of desire or intention.
A storybook illustration of a child reaching up eagerly for a bright red toy airplane sitting on a high shelf, symbolizing desire or wanting.

Examples

Ella quiso un vestido azul para la fiesta.

She wanted a blue dress for the party.

Mi jefe quiso que le diéramos el informe ayer.

My boss wanted us to give him the report yesterday.

Usted nunca quiso la verdad, solo dinero.

You (formal) never wanted the truth, only money.

Irregular Past Tense

The stem of 'querer' completely changes in the simple past (preterite) from 'quer-' to 'quis-'. This is a common pattern for important Spanish verbs (like 'poder' -> 'pud-').

Using the wrong past stem

Mistake: “Él *querió* un vaso de agua.”

Correction: Él *quiso* un vaso de agua. (Always remember the 'quis-' stem for the preterite.)

Confusing 'buscado' vs. 'deseado'

Learners often confuse 'buscado' and 'deseado.' Remember that 'buscado' implies active demand or being sought after (like a job candidate), while 'deseado' refers more to a hoped-for outcome or a general wish.

Related Translations

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