ilusionado
/ilusjoˈnado/
The English word "eager" can be translated into Spanish using several forms, most commonly ilusionado. Wiktionary also lists anhelante and anheloso.
Meaning: wanting something very much (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| ilusionado | /ilusjoˈnado/ |
| anhelante | /aneˈlante/ |
| anheloso | /aneˈloso/ |
The term is used to describe someone wanting something very much. To express the state of being eager or excited, use the verb estar rather than ser with ilusionado. Other ways to express being eager include the verb combinations estar ansioso/a por (to be anxious for) or tener ganas de (to feel like). To describe the action of being eager, you can use the verbs alamparse, ansiar or estar ansioso / loco por.
Which one should you use?
While anhelante implies a sense of longing or yearning, ilusionado is used when one is excited or looking forward to something with positive anticipation. The form anheloso is also available.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ilusjoˈnado/
Did you know?
- While ilusionado means 'eager' or 'excited', the noun ilusión can also mean 'an illusion' or 'a delusion'. In a different context, telling someone they are ilusionado could imply they are dreaming of something impossible.
- The word anhelante shares an ancient root with the physical act of panting or gasping for breath, suggesting that true eagerness is a physical, breathless state.
- In Spanish, the feeling of being 'eager' is often expressed as tener ganas, which literally translates to 'having desires'. It treats the urge to do something as a physical possession rather than a state of being.
Examples in context
- Tengo muchas ganas de comenzar este proyectoI'm eager to start this project.
- El director mostró entusiasmo por la nueva iniciativaThe director showed eagerness for the new initiative.
- ¡Estoy emocionado/a por el concierto de esta noche!I'm eager for tonight's concert!
- Estoy muy emocionado/a por el próximo viaje. Tengo muchas ganas de explorar nuevos lugares y conocer gente interesante.I'm very excited for the upcoming trip. I'm eager to explore new places and meet interesting people.
- El equipo está mostrando entusiasmo por el próximo torneo. Tenemos muchas ganas de competir y ganar.The team is showing enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. We're eager to compete and win.
- Estoy muy ilusionado con mi nuevo trabajo.I am very eager about my new job.
- Él está ilusionado con el viaje de verano.He is eager about the summer trip.
- Los niños están ilusionados con la fiesta.The children are eager about the party.
Example conversation
Mateo tells María about his upcoming concert trip.
- María¿Estás listo para el concierto?Are you ready for the concert?
- MateoSí, estoy muy ilusionado por ir.Yes, I am very eager to go.
- MaríaTe ves muy feliz, Mateo.You look very happy, Mateo.
- MateoEs que es un evento increíble.It is just that it is an incredible event.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “eager” translations and entries ilusionado, anhelante, anheloso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anhelante, ilusionado, CC BY-SA 4.0.
