tengo muchas ganas
/tenɡo mut͡ʃas ɡanas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "i really feel like" can be translated into Spanish as tengo muchas ganas.
Use this phrase to express a strong desire to do or have something.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "I have many desires" or "I have many urges".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to use Tengo antojo de… to express strong desires. In Argentina, the phrase Me pinta… is used to mean "I feel like".
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express the desire to perform an action, use the construction tener ganas de followed by an infinitive verb. Typically, when connecting the phrase tengo muchas ganas to a verb or a noun, it is followed by the preposition de.
How do you pronounce it?
/tenɡo mutʃas ɡanas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using siento que to mean "I feel like (wanting something)". In Spanish, siento que is used to express physical sensations or opinions.
Did you know?
- Using tengo ganas for a person can be highly suggestive or sexual in certain social contexts, depending on the tone used.
- In Spain, people often use the expression tener ganas de comerse a alguien a besos to describe a strong desire to shower someone with kisses. It literally translates to 'having the urge to eat someone with kisses'.
- In many Spanish speaking countries, saying qué ganas with a specific tone of voice is a common way to express sarcasm. It is used to mean 'yeah, right' or 'I can't wait' when the speaker actually dreads the task.
Examples in context
- Tengo muchas ganas de conocer su ciudad.I really feel like visiting your city.
- Tengo muchas ganas de aprender más sobre este tema.I really feel like learning more about this subject.
- Tengo muchas ganas de comer pizza.I really feel like eating pizza.
- Tengo muchas ganas de ver una película.I really feel like watching a movie.
- Me muero por probar ese postre.I really feel like trying that dessert.
- Me muero por verte.I really feel like seeing you.
- Estoy deseando ir a la playa.I really feel like going to the beach.
- Tengo antojo de tacos.I really feel like eating tacos.
- Tengo antojo de un helado.I really feel like having an ice cream.
- Me pinta quedarme en casa y leer un libro.I really feel like staying home and reading a book.
- Tengo muchas ganas de verte pronto.I really feel like seeing you soon.
- Tengo muchas ganas de viajar este verano.I really feel like traveling this summer.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for the upcoming weekend.
- SofíaTengo muchas ganas de ir al cine.I really feel like going to the movies.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir este sábado, Sofía?Do you want to go this Saturday, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, me encantaría ir contigo, Daniel.Yes, I would love to go with you, Daniel.
- DanielPerfecto, yo compro las entradas.Perfect, I will buy the tickets.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
