Quiero manzanas
/kjeɾo manθanas/from spelling rules
The phrase "I want apples" in Spanish is Quiero manzanas.
Which one should you use?
While Quiero manzanas is a direct statement of desire, Quisiera manzanas is a more polite way to express the same want, similar to "I would like" in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, Quiero is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb querer (to want) and manzanas is the plural form of manzana (apple).
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo manθanas/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often feel the need to include the pronoun Yo because it is mandatory in English, but in Spanish, the subject is usually omitted because the verb ending Quiero already indicates that the subject is "I".
Did you know?
- The word manzana is a homonym that can mean both 'apple' and 'city block' depending on the context.
- The verb querer does not just mean 'to want'. In many Spanish speaking countries, it is also the standard way to say 'to love' a person in a romantic or affectionate way.
- Spanish has a specific word, manzanilla, which literally means 'little apple', but it refers to a type of chamomile tea or a dry sherry wine.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría tener manzanas, por favor.I would like to have apples, please.
- Quisiera obtener manzanas, por favor.I would like to get apples, please.
- Quiero manzanas, por favor.I want apples, please.
- Quiero manzanas verdes/rojasI want green/red apples
- Quiero muchas manzanas para hacer una deliciosa tartaI want many apples to make a delicious pie.
- Quiero manzanas para mi postre.I want apples for my dessert.
- Quiero manzanas rojas, por favor.I want red apples, please.
- Quiero manzanas de la tienda.I want apples from the store.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are at the grocery store.
- DanielSofía, ¿qué necesitas comprar?Sofía, what do you need to buy?
- SofíaQuiero manzanas para la ensalada.I want apples for the salad.
- DanielEstá bien, yo las busco.Okay, I will look for them.
- SofíaGracias, Daniel.Thanks, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
