Inklingo

How to Say "you wanted" in Spanish

English → Spanish

querías

verbA2general
Use 'querías' to describe a general desire, wish, or intention in the past that was ongoing or not necessarily acted upon.

Examples

Me dijiste que querías ir al cine.

You told me that you wanted to go to the movies.

quisiste

kee-SEE-steh/kiˈsiste/

verbA1informal singular
Use 'quisiste' to express a specific instance of wanting something in the past, often implying a decision or refusal to act.
A child standing on a small stool, stretching their arms eagerly towards a brightly colored toy airplane resting on a high shelf, symbolizing a past desire.

Examples

Yo te llamé, pero no quisiste contestar.

I called you, but you didn't want (or refused) to answer.

¿Por qué no viniste? Yo te llamé, pero no quisiste contestar.

Why didn't you come? I called you, but you didn't want (or refused) to answer.

Tú quisiste ir al cine, pero yo preferí quedarme en casa.

You wanted to go to the cinema, but I preferred to stay home.

Ella dijo que quisiste ayudar, pero llegaste tarde.

She said that you tried to help, but you arrived late.

The 'U' Change

The verb 'querer' is highly irregular in the simple past (preterite). It changes its stem from 'que-' to 'quis-'. This is a common pattern for many important irregular verbs.

Preterite vs. Imperfect

Use 'quisiste' (preterite) when the desire started, ended, or was refused at a specific point in the past. Use 'querías' (imperfect) if the desire was ongoing or a background feeling.

Using the wrong stem

Mistake: “Tú *queriste*.”

Correction: Tú quisiste. Remember the 'u' sound in the simple past form of this verb.

Querías vs. Quisiste

Learners often confuse 'querías' and 'quisiste' because both refer to past wanting. Remember that 'querías' (imperfect) describes an ongoing or general past desire, while 'quisiste' (preterite) refers to a specific, often decisive, past action or refusal.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.