quiero saber
/kjeɾo sabeɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I want to know" is translated as quiero saber.
Meaning: I want to know (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular present of querer (to want) and the infinitive saber (to know).
Which one should you use?
While quiero saber is used for facts or information, you should use quiero conocer if you mean "I want to get to know" a person or a place.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using the imperfect subjunctive quisiera instead of quiero in quisiera saber makes your request more polite and indirect. When you use quiero saber to introduce a yes/no question, it is typically followed by the conjunction si (e.g., quiero saber si…).
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo sabeɾ/
Did you know?
- The English word 'savvy' and the Spanish verb saber share the same Latin ancestor, 'sapere', which originally meant 'to taste'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using quiero saber to start a question can feel like an interrogation. Replacing it with a more indirect phrasing is a key way to navigate the social nuances of politeness.
Examples in context
- Quiero saber qué pasó.I want to know what happened.This sentence is useful for asking about a past event using quiero saber.Tatoeba #2081612 by marcelostockle, translation #2013583 by CK
- Quiero saber el motivo.I want to know the reason.This sentence is useful for asking for a reason using quiero saber.Tatoeba #1266992 by hayastan, translation #254721 by CK
- Quiero saber quién sos.I want to know who you are.This sentence is useful for asking about a person's identity using quiero saber.Tatoeba #1825380 by hayastan, translation #1825294 by Amastan
- Quisiera saber a qué hora llega el vuelo.I would like to know what time the flight arrives.
- Me gustaría saber más sobre su experiencia laboral.I would like to know more about your work experience.
- Desearía saber si hay alguna disponibilidad para la reunión mañana.I would desire to know if there is any availability for the meeting tomorrow.
- Quiero saber si vas a venir a la fiesta.I want to know if you're coming to the party.
- Me gustaría saber dónde conseguiste ese libro interesante.I would like to know where you got that interesting book.
- 94 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about a surprise party.
- JavierMaría, quiero saber cuándo es la fiesta.María, I want to know when the party is.
- MaríaEs un secreto, Javier.It is a secret, Javier.
- JavierPero quiero saber la fecha exacta.But I want to know the exact date.
- MaríaNo puedo decirte nada todavía.I can't tell you anything yet.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “I want to know” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries saber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
