apetito
/apeˈtito/masculine
The English word "appetite" is translated into Spanish as apetito. Wiktionary also lists deseo and ganas.
Meaning: desire of or relish for food (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| apetito | /apeˈtito/ | masculine |
| deseo | /deˈseo/ | masculine |
| ganas | /ˈɡanas/ | feminine, plural |
The word refers to the desire of or relish for food.
Which one should you use?
While apetito refers specifically to the physiological desire for food, ganas is a common colloquial way to express a craving or a desire for something (e.g., 'tengo ganas de pizza').
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, you use the verb tener (to have) to express having an appetite, just as in English.
How do you pronounce it?
/apeˈtito/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add a double 'p' to the Spanish word, but it is spelled with only one 'p': apetito.
Did you know?
- The word deseo descends from the Latin dēsidia, which originally referred to 'sloth' or 'debauchery' before it evolved to mean a strong longing.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to use buen provecho as a ritualistic wish for a 'good appetite' or 'enjoy your meal' before someone starts eating.
- You might use ganas to describe a person's drive or ambition, such as 'tiene muchas ganas de triunfar' (he has a great desire to succeed), moving far beyond the concept of food.
Examples in context
- Hoy tengo buen apetito.Today I have a good appetite.This sentence shows how to express having a good appetite using apetito.Tatoeba #1600179 by marcelostockle, translation #1372703 by MrShoval
- Tengo un apetito anormal.I have an abnormal appetite.This sentence uses apetito to describe an abnormal appetite.Tatoeba #9749532 by Eremon, translation #1659368 by IndoBharat
- Perdí el apetito de repente.I suddenly lost my appetite.This sentence uses apetito to describe the sudden loss of appetite.Tatoeba #5130874 by don_ramon, translation #3826566 by CK
- Tengo mucho hambre, tengo un gran apetito.I'm very hungry, I have a big appetite.
- 26 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- MaríaMateo, ¿tienes apetito ahora?Mateo, do you have an appetite now?
- MateoNo mucho, pero puedo comer algo.Not much, but I can eat something.
- MaríaYo tengo mucho apetito hoy.I have a big appetite today.
- MateoEntonces pidamos una pizza grande.Then let's order a large pizza.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “appetite” translations and entries apetito, deseo, ganas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries apetito, deseo, ganas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
