lo quiero
/lo kjeɾo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I want it" is lo quiero.
lo quiero is used to express a desire to possess or obtain a specific object. Depending on the context of what is being discussed, the verb querer can mean both "to want" and "to love".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of the direct object pronoun lo (it) and the first-person singular present form of the verb querer (to want), which is quiero. Literally, it translates to "it I want".
How does it change in a sentence?
The pronoun used must match the gender and number of the object you want. If the object is a feminine noun, use la quiero (I want it). To say "I want them," use los quiero for masculine or mixed-gender objects, or las quiero for feminine objects.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo kjeɾo/
Did you know?
- Using lo quiero in a romantic context can be risky because querer is often seen as a 'lighter' form of love than amar.
- When lo quiero is used as 'I love it' regarding a thing, it is less common than using me encanta, which literally means 'it enchants me'.
- If you are referring to a concept or an abstract idea rather than a physical object, you must use the neuter pronoun lo, regardless of whether the idea is associated with a feminine word.
Examples in context
- ¡Lo quiero para hoy!I want it by today!This sentence is useful for expressing a deadline for when you want something.Tatoeba #5631973 by arh, translation #5651345 by Mar1L
- Lo quiero muy caliente.I want it really hot.This sentence is useful for describing the desired state or temperature of an object.Tatoeba #7468953 by arh, translation #9179842 by DJ_Saidez
- ¡Lo quiero para mi gato!I want it for my cat!This sentence is useful for stating who the object is intended for.Tatoeba #1535384 by marcelostockle, translation #1485853 by voxbubnya
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A man and a woman are at a clothing store.
- MaríaMira ese vestido rojo.Look at that red dress.
- DanielEs muy bonito, ¿lo quieres?It is very pretty, do you want it?
- MaríaSí, lo quiero.Yes, I want it.
- DanielVamos a comprarlo entonces.Let's go buy it then.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
