quiero conocerte
/kjeɾo konoθeɾte/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I want to get to know you" is translated into Spanish as quiero conocerte.
This phrase is used to express a desire to become familiar with someone's personality and life. It relies on the verb conocer, which is used when becoming acquainted with a person or a place. This differs from the verb saber, which is used for knowing facts or information.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quiero (I want), conocer (to know/to meet) and the suffix -te (you).
How does it change in a sentence?
The object pronoun -te can be placed before the conjugated verb quiero instead of being attached to the end of the infinitive conocer, resulting in te quiero conocer. Additionally, you can add más to the end of the phrase, as in quiero conocerte más, to express a desire to get to know someone even more deeply.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo konoθeɾte/
Did you know?
- If you say te quiero to a person instead of quiero conocerte, you are not asking to get to know them, but are instead declaring 'I love you'.
- The word conocer shares a root with the English word 'cognizant' and the word 'recognize', both referring to the act of mental identification.
- In some Latin American countries, saying quiero conocerte can be interpreted as a romantic advance even if the speaker intends it platonically.
Examples in context
- Eres muy interesante y quiero conocerte.You are very interesting and I want to get to know you.
- Si tienes tiempo, quiero conocerte mejor.If you have time, I want to get to know you better.
- Me gustas y quiero conocerte de verdad.I like you and I want to truly get to know you.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are talking at a coffee shop.
- SofíaMe gusta mucho hablar contigo.I really like talking with you.
- AlejandroA mí también, Sofía.Me too, Sofía.
- SofíaPor eso quiero conocerte más.That is why I want to get to know you more.
- AlejandroMe encantaría, Sofía.I would love that, Sofía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
