Inklingo

How to Say "you wish" in Spanish

English → Spanish
verbA1informal
Use 'quieres' when asking someone what they want to do or have, expressing a desire or preference.

Examples

¿Qué quieres comer hoy?

What do you want to eat today?

deseas

deh-SEH-ahs[deˈse.as]

verbA1formal
Use 'deseas' to express a stronger or more formal desire, often for something specific or when making a wish.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a young child with outstretched hands looking up at a desired toy airplane on a high shelf.

Examples

¿Qué más deseas comer?

What else do you wish to eat?

Si deseas un cambio, tienes que trabajar duro.

If you desire a change, you have to work hard.

Deseas que todo sea más fácil.

You wish that everything were easier.

The 'Tú' Form

This word, 'deseas,' is used when you are speaking directly to one person whom you know well or are addressing informally (the 'tú' form).

Triggering the Subjunctive

When you use 'deseas' followed by 'que' and another verb, the second verb must change to a special form (the subjunctive) because you are expressing a wish or desire, not a fact. Example: Deseas que él 'venga' (You wish that he 'comes').

Mixing Formal and Informal

Mistake: “Using 'deseas' when speaking formally to a stranger or elder.”

Correction: For formal situations, use 'desea' (the 'usted' form). Say: '¿Qué desea usted?' not '¿Qué deseas tú?'

Quieres vs. Deseas

Learners often confuse 'quieres' and 'deseas' because both can translate to 'you want' or 'you wish'. Remember that 'quieres' is more common for everyday wants and preferences, while 'deseas' implies a deeper or more formal desire.

Related Translations

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