Quiero
/kjeɾo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I want to" is Quiero.
Quiero is used to express a desire or a wish to do something.
Which one should you use?
While Quiero is the standard way to say "I want", using Quisiera is a more polite and indirect way to express a desire, similar to "I would like to".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the verb antojarse is commonly used to mean "to crave" or "to fancy".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Quiero already includes the subject "I", so you do not need to add yo unless you want to add emphasis.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo/
Did you know?
- In formal writing or high-level literature, you might see the word querer used to mean 'to love' or 'to care for' someone, which is a much deeper emotional weight than the common 'I want' used in daily life.
- When a Spanish speaker says Quiero decir, they are not expressing a wish, but are actually saying 'I mean' to clarify a previous statement.
- In some regions, the phrase Quiero que triggers a mandatory change in the following verb to the subjunctive mood, which is a complex grammar rule not found in English.
Examples in context
- No sé si quiero.I don't know if I want to.This sentence is useful for expressing uncertainty about one's own desires using Quiero.Tatoeba #2973809 by hayastan, translation #6996845 by Hybrid
- Quiero ver a Tom.I want to see Tom.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to see someone using Quiero.Tatoeba #2029766 by Shishir, translation #1887894 by CK
- Me quiero ir hoy.I want to leave today.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to leave using Quiero.Tatoeba #2102148 by marcelostockle, translation #2011677 by CK
- Quiero estudiar español.I want to study Spanish.
- Quiero comer una pizza.I want to eat a pizza.
- Quisiera tomar un café.I would like to have a coffee.
- 1638 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- MaríaQuiero ir al cine hoy.I want to go to the cinema today.
- Javier¡Qué buena idea, María!What a good idea, María!
- María¿Quieres ver una película de acción?Do you want to see an action movie?
- JavierSí, quiero ver esa película nueva.Yes, I want to see that new movie.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
