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How to Say "whim" in Spanish

English → Spanish

antojo

an-TO-hoanˈtoxo

nounA2general
Use 'antojo' for a sudden craving or desire, often for food or something pleasurable, that arises unexpectedly.
A colorful illustration of a person looking happily at a large, delicious strawberry cupcake with pink frosting.

Examples

Tengo un antojo de helado de chocolate.

I have a craving for chocolate ice cream.

Compró ese reloj por puro antojo.

He bought that watch on a total whim.

Durante su embarazo, ella tenía antojos muy extraños.

During her pregnancy, she had very strange cravings.

Using 'de' with Antojo

To say what you are craving, always follow the word 'antojo' with 'de'. For example: 'antojo de pizza'.

Antojo as a Naming Word

Since it is a masculine noun, always use 'el' or 'un' before it.

Don't use 'craving' as a verb

Mistake: “Yo antojo chocolate.”

Correction: Tengo antojo de chocolate.

capricho

ka-PREE-chokaˈpɾitʃo

nounB1general
Choose 'capricho' when referring to an impulsive purchase or a sudden, often frivolous, urge to do something without much thought.
A young child in a sunny park reaching out with excitement toward a bright red balloon floating in the air.

Examples

Me compré estos zapatos por capricho.

I bought these shoes on a whim.

Hoy me voy a dar un capricho y comeré fuera.

Today I'm going to treat myself and eat out.

No es una necesidad, es solo un capricho del niño.

It's not a necessity; it's just a whim of the child.

Using 'Por' for Reasons

When you do something 'on a whim,' use the word 'por.' It explains the 'why' behind your action: 'Lo hice por capricho' (I did it because of a whim).

The 'Give Yourself' Pattern

To say you are 'treating yourself,' Spanish uses 'darse' (to give oneself). You'll usually see it as 'Me doy un capricho' (I give myself a treat).

Confusing with 'Caprice'

Mistake: “Using 'capricho' only for fancy artistic things.”

Correction: While related, 'capricho' is used daily for simple things like buying a chocolate bar or a new shirt. Don't be afraid to use it for small, everyday treats!

fantasía

nounC1general
Employ 'fantasía' to describe a spontaneous, perhaps ill-considered, impulse or decision, often implying a lack of planning.

Examples

Compró el coche por pura fantasía, sin pensarlo.

He bought the car purely on a whim, without thinking about it.

Antojo vs. Capricho

Learners often confuse 'antojo' and 'capricho'. Remember that 'antojo' is typically for cravings (like food), while 'capricho' is more about impulsive actions or purchases, like buying something unexpected.

Related Translations

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