quiero un perro
/kjeɾo un pero/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I want a dog" is expressed in Spanish as quiero un perro.
The phrase quiero un perro is used to express a desire to have a dog as a pet. You can also use me encantaría to mean "I would love to".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quiero (I want), un (a/an) and perro (dog).
Which one should you use?
While quiero un perro expresses a desire to possess or have a dog, the phrase me gustaría un perro (I would like a dog) is a more polite or indirect way to express the same desire.
How does it change in a sentence?
Quiero is the basic way to say "I want" in Spanish.
Did you know?
- While perro refers to a male dog the feminine perra can be a very strong insult when applied to a person.
- While perro is the standard word for 'dog', the more formal Latin-based word can still exists in Spanish and is often used in technical, legal or poetic contexts.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, calling a dog perrito (little dog) is common regardless of the animal's actual size to show affection.
Examples in context
- Quiero un perro como ese.I want a dog like that one.This sentence is useful for expressing that you want a dog similar to a specific one.Tatoeba #10097453 by manufrutos, translation #10095819 by CK
- Quiero un perro como el tuyo.I want a dog like yours.This sentence is useful for expressing that you want a dog similar to someone else's.Tatoeba #10097452 by manufrutos, translation #10095820 by CK
- Quiero un perro.I want a dog.This sentence is a simple way to state your desire for a dog.Tatoeba #3948225 by gianich73, translation #2748639 by CM
- Quisiera tener un perro, ¿sabe dónde puedo conseguir uno?I would like to have a dog, do you know where I can get one?
- ¡Quiero un perro!I want a dog!
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking in their living room about getting a pet.
- LucíaQuiero un perro.I want a dog.
- Javier¿De qué raza lo quieres?What breed do you want it to be?
- LucíaNo lo sé todavía, Javier.I don't know yet, Javier.
- JavierEstá bien, podemos buscar uno juntos.That's fine, we can look for one together.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
