Inklingo

How to Say "will" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “will” is “gana” — use 'gana' when 'will' refers to a strong desire, enthusiasm, or drive, often in phrases like 'tener ganas de' (to feel like doing something)..

English → Spanish

gana

GAH-nah/ˈɡana/

nounA1general
Use 'gana' when 'will' refers to a strong desire, enthusiasm, or drive, often in phrases like 'tener ganas de' (to feel like doing something).
A storybook illustration of a child gazing longingly at a large, colorful slice of chocolate cake on a pedestal, representing strong desire.

Examples

Tengo muchas ganas de verte pronto.

I really want to see you soon.

¿Tienes ganas de ir al cine esta noche?

Do you feel like going to the movies tonight?

Perdió las ganas de luchar después de la derrota.

He lost the will/desire to fight after the defeat.

Expressing Desire with 'Tener'

To express wanting to do something, you must use the verb 'tener' (to have) with 'ganas.' Always follow it with 'de' and then the action: 'Tengo ganas de comer' (I want to eat).

Using 'Ser' or 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy ganas de bailar.”

Correction: Tengo ganas de bailar. (You 'have' the feeling, you don't 'are' the feeling.)

va

/ba//ba/

verbA1general
Use 'va' as part of the 'ir a + infinitive' construction to express the simple future, similar to 'going to' in English.
A person reaching for a glass of water, about to perform the action, illustrating the idea of 'going to' do something.

Examples

Él va a llamar más tarde.

He is going to call later.

Creo que va a llover.

I think it's going to rain.

¿Qué va a hacer usted mañana?

What are you (formal) going to do tomorrow?

The 'Going To' Future Formula

To say what's going to happen, use this simple recipe: 'va' + 'a' + the basic form of an action verb (like comer, hablar, vivir).

Forgetting the 'a'

Mistake: “Incorrect: Ella va estudiar.”

Correction: Correct: Ella va a estudiar. You always need the little word 'a' to connect 'va' to the next action.

voluntad

/boh-loon-TAHD//bolunˈtad/

nounB1general
Use 'voluntad' when 'will' refers to the mental faculty of choice, self-control, or determination (willpower).
A small figure straining slightly while successfully pushing a large, colorful block uphill, symbolizing internal drive and mental strength.

Examples

Se necesita mucha voluntad para dejar de fumar.

It takes a lot of willpower to quit smoking.

Su fuerza de voluntad es increíble; nunca se rinde.

Her willpower is incredible; she never gives up.

Use with Strength

To talk about the amount of willpower, you usually use it with the word 'fuerza' (strength) to form the common phrase 'fuerza de voluntad'.

Missing the 'De'

Mistake: “Quiero más fuerza voluntad.”

Correction: Quiero más fuerza de voluntad. (Always include the little word 'de' to link 'fuerza' and 'voluntad'.)

testamento

/tes-ta-MEN-to//tɛstaˈmɛnto/

nounB2formal
Use 'testamento' exclusively for the legal document that specifies how a person's assets should be distributed after their death.
A rolled scroll of parchment, representing a legal will, tied securely with a red ribbon and resting on a simple wooden desk next to a black quill pen.

Examples

Mi abuelo dejó todo por escrito en su testamento.

My grandfather left everything written down in his will.

Es crucial hacer un testamento si tienes bienes o propiedades.

It is crucial to make a will if you have assets or properties.

El abogado leyó el testamento frente a toda la familia.

The lawyer read the will in front of the whole family.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-o', which is common for masculine nouns, remember to always use the masculine article ('el testamento', 'un testamento').

Desire vs. Willpower

Learners often confuse 'gana' (desire/enthusiasm) with 'voluntad' (willpower/faculty of choice). Remember, 'tener ganas' expresses wanting to do something, while 'voluntad' is about the strength to do it or the ability to choose.

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