Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ansia | /ˈansja/ | feminine |
| anhelo | /aˈnelo/ | masculine |
| prurito | /pɾuˈɾito/ | masculine |
| ganas | /ˈɡanas/ | feminine, plural |
These words are used to express a strong desire or yearning. Ansia often carries a connotation of anxiety or an almost painful, restless-driven craving. Anhelo is more poetic or formal than ganas and is typically used for deep, soulful yearnings rather than physical cravings like food. Prurito is literally an itch, but it is used figuratively in some contexts to describe a nagging urge or curiosity. Ganas is the most common way to express a craving for food or a desire to do something in everyday conversation.
Which one should you use?
While all these words mean craving, ganas is the most common way to express a craving for food or a desire to do something in everyday conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word ganas is almost always used in its plural form when referring to a desire or craving. When expressing a craving for something, you use the phrase tener ganas de followed by the noun or a verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈansja/
Did you know?
- The word anhelo shares a prehistoric root with the physical act of panting or breathing hard, reflecting the feeling of being breathless with desire.
- The term prurito is used specifically to describe a craving that feels like a 'mental itch', often associated with a desire to interfere or meddle in something.
- While ganas translates to 'craving' or 'desire', it is also used in the phrase dar ganas, which suggests that the desire is an external force acting upon the person.
Examples in context
- Ellas tienen ganas de chocolate.They're craving chocolate.This sentence is useful for showing how to use ganas to express a craving for food.Tatoeba #8498002 by RoberMB, translation #8542825 by lunchmeat317
- Tengo un antojo de helado.I have a craving for ice cream.
- ¡Tengo muchas ganas de comer pizza!I'm really craving pizza!
- Siento unas ansias terribles de comer tacos.I have a terrible craving for tacos.
- Estoy antojado de una chuchería.I'm craving a snack.
- Tengo un antojo irresistible de chocolate.I have an irresistible craving for chocolate.
- Me muero por comer una hamburguesa.I'm dying for a hamburger.
- Siente una gran ansia de viajar por el mundo.She feels a great craving to travel the world.
- Su ansia de éxito es admirable.His craving for success is admirable.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are talking about their favorite foods.
- AlejandroTengo una ansia enorme de comer pizza.I have a huge craving for pizza.
- MaríaYo también, Alejandro. Vamos a comprar una.Me too, Alejandro. Let's go buy one.
- Alejandro¿Quieres que pida una familiar?Do you want me to order a large one?
- MaríaSí, María quiere mucha pizza hoy.Yes, María wants a lot of pizza today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “craving” translations and entries ansia, anhelo, prurito, ganas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anhelo, ansia, ganas, prurito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
