Inklingo

How to Say "wishing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “wishing” is “deseando” — use 'deseando' when you are actively looking forward to an event or outcome, often with anticipation..

English → Spanish

deseando

deh-seh-AHN-doh/deseˈando/

Verb Form (Gerund)A2General
Use 'deseando' when you are actively looking forward to an event or outcome, often with anticipation.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a small, cheerful child standing on tiptoes, eagerly peering over a low wooden fence with a wide, anticipating smile.

Examples

Estoy deseando que lleguen las vacaciones.

I am looking forward to the holidays arriving.

Ella pasó la tarde deseando que el tiempo pasara más rápido.

She spent the afternoon wishing that time would pass faster.

¿Están deseando ver la película nueva?

Are you all looking forward to seeing the new movie?

Use with 'Estar'

This word is the '-ing' form of 'desear.' Use it with 'estar' (to be) to talk about what you are currently wishing or looking forward to doing now: 'Estamos deseando comer' (We are looking forward to eating).

The Next Verb Changes

When 'deseando' leads into a new action, the second verb usually needs the special form called the Subjunctive (the form used for wishes): 'Estoy deseando que me llames' (I am looking forward to you calling me).

queriendo

/keh-RYEN-doh//keˈɾjen.do/

Verb (Gerund/Present Participle)A1General
Use 'queriendo' to express a desire or wish, or when you were trying or intending to do something.
A small child standing on tiptoes, actively reaching up towards a clear glass jar full of cookies placed on a high, out-of-reach shelf.

Examples

Estuve queriendo llamarte todo el día.

I was wanting (or trying) to call you all day.

Ella se fue de la fiesta, queriendo evitar a su exnovio.

She left the party, wanting to avoid her ex-boyfriend.

Los niños están queriendo un helado después de la cena.

The children are wanting an ice cream after dinner.

The '-ing' Form

The word 'queriendo' is the gerund, which is like the '-ing' form in English (wanting, loving). It always ends in '-ndo' in Spanish.

Continuous Actions

You use 'queriendo' with the verb 'estar' (like 'estoy queriendo') to talk about an action that is happening right now, or was happening at a specific time.

Expressing Intent

You can use 'queriendo' on its own to explain why someone did something: 'Salió corriendo, queriendo alcanzar el autobús' (He left running, wanting to catch the bus).

Overuse in Simple Requests

Mistake: “Estoy queriendo un café.”

Correction: Quiero un café. (Use the simple present tense for immediate wants, not the continuous form.)

Deseando vs. Queriendo

Learners often confuse 'deseando' and 'queriendo' when expressing a wish. Remember that 'deseando' implies anticipation for a future event, like holidays, while 'queriendo' is a more general expression of wanting or trying to do something.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.