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How to Say "wish" in Spanish

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deseo

/deh-SEH-oh//deˈseo/

nounA2general
Use this when referring to a hope or aspiration, especially one made during a special occasion like blowing out birthday candles.
A child standing in a field at night, gently holding a single, glowing, magical star in their cupped hands, symbolizing a wish or strong desire.

Examples

Pide un deseo antes de soplar las velas.

Make a wish before you blow out the candles.

Mi mayor deseo es viajar por todo el mundo.

My greatest desire is to travel all over the world.

Tengo el deseo de aprender un nuevo idioma.

I have the desire to learn a new language.

Using 'Tener' with 'Deseo'

You'll often hear 'tener el deseo de...' which literally means 'to have the desire to...' It's a slightly more formal or emphatic way to say you want to do something, compared to just 'querer'.

desee

deh-SEH-eh/deˈse.e/

verbB1formal
This is the subjunctive form of the verb 'desear' and is used to express a wish or desire in a more formal or hypothetical context, often after expressions like 'espero que' (I hope that).
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.)

voluntad

/boh-loon-TAHD//bolunˈtad/

nounB2general
Use this noun to talk about one's will, intention, or disposition, often in the context of acting freely or with a certain mindset, like 'good will'.
A young child standing outside at night, looking up toward a single bright star with an expression of longing, symbolizing making a wish.

Examples

Ella actuó de buena voluntad, pensando que ayudaría.

She acted out of good will, thinking it would help.

El director ha respetado la voluntad del equipo.

The director has respected the team's wishes (or intention).

Fue un error, lo juro, no fue mi voluntad.

It was a mistake, I swear, it was not my intention.

Against Your Will

If you are describing an action done against someone's wishes, use the preposition 'contra' (against), such as: 'Lo hicieron contra su voluntad' (They did it against her will).

Noun vs. Verb 'Wish'

Learners often confuse the noun 'deseo' (a wish) with the verb 'desear' (to wish). Remember that 'deseo' is the thing you make or have, while 'desear' is the action of wanting or hoping for something. 'Desee' is a specific verb form for this action.

Related Translations

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