quiero
/kjeɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I want" is translated to Spanish as quiero.
quiero is used to express a desire or a wish for something. However, be aware that using quiero to order food or drinks in a restaurant can sound blunt or demanding.
Which one should you use?
While quiero typically means "I want", it takes on the meaning "I love" when it is followed by the preposition a and a person. For more polite or formal requests, you can use quisiera or me gustaría.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "I want to [do something]", use quiero followed directly by the infinitive of the second verb, such as quiero comer (I want to eat).
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo/
Did you know?
- The word quiero comes from the Latin quaero, which actually meant 'to seek' or 'to look for' rather than just 'to want'.
- In some regions, if you say te quiero to a friend, it is a casual expression of affection, but saying te amo is reserved for a spouse or soulmate.
- The word querer is used to form the phrase querer es poder, which is the Spanish equivalent of 'where there is a will, there is a way'.
Examples in context
- No sé si quiero.I don't know if I want to.This example shows how to express uncertainty about one's own desire using quiero.Tatoeba #2973809 by hayastan, translation #6996845 by Hybrid
- Quiero a mi mamá.I want my mommy.This example shows how quiero means "I love" when used with a person.Tatoeba #651402 by Shishir, translation #1887880 by CK
- No sé qué quiero.I don't know what I want.This example shows how to express uncertainty about the object of one's desire using quiero.Tatoeba #1785020 by Shishir, translation #1785015 by Amastan
- Quisiera un café, por favor.I would like a coffee, please.
- Quiero comer helado.I want to eat ice cream.
- Quisiera de postre un flanI would like a flan for dessert
- Se me antoja un heladoI feel like having an ice cream
- 2529 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are deciding what to eat for lunch.
- MaríaTengo hambre. Quiero una pizza.I am hungry. I want a pizza.
- DanielYo también. ¿De qué la quieres?Me too. What kind do you want?
- MaríaQuiero una pizza de queso.I want a cheese pizza.
- DanielPerfecto, pidamos una ahora.Perfect, let's order one now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
