quiero dulces
/kjeɾo dulθes/from spelling rules
To say "I want candy" in Spanish, use quiero dulces.
quiero dulces is a phrase used to express a desire to eat sweet treats.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular conjugation of querer (to want) and dulces (sweets/candies), literally translating to "I want sweets".
Which one should you use?
While quiero dulces expresses a desire for candy in the moment, the phrase me gustan los dulces is used to say "I like sweets" to describe a general preference.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may also use the phrases Quiero chucherías or Quiero golosinas to refer to candy.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you want one specific piece of candy rather than candy in general, use the singular form quiero un dulce instead of the plural quiero dulces.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo dulθes/
Did you know?
- The word querer can mean both 'to want' and 'to love', so saying quiero dulces is strictly about desire, but in a romantic context, the same verb would mean you love someone.
- In Mexico, the word dulces includes things like candied fruits and spicy tamarind treats, which would not be considered 'candy' in English.
- The word golosina is derived from goloso, which describes someone with an insatiable appetite for sweets or a 'greedy' eater.
Examples in context
- De pronto, la hija mayor alzó la voz y dijo: "quiero dulces".Suddenly the eldest daughter spoke up, saying, "I want candy."Tatoeba #2667206 by marcelostockle, translation #424585 by blay_paul
- ¿Me puedes traer dulces, por favor?Can you bring me candy, please?
- ¡Quiero chucherías para el cine!I want candy for the movies!
- Si voy a la tienda, quiero dulces.If I go to the store, I want candy.
- No me siento bien, pero quiero dulces.I don't feel well, but I want candy.
Example conversation
A child is talking to his mother in the supermarket.
- MateoMira esos chocolates, quiero dulces.Look at those chocolates, I want candy.
- MaríaNo podemos comprar más, Mateo.We cannot buy any more, Mateo.
- MateoPor favor, María, solo quiero dulces.Please, Maria, I just want candy.
- MaríaEstá bien, elige uno solo.Alright, pick just one.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
