Quiero nadar
/kjeɾo nadaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "i want to swim" is translated into Spanish as Quiero nadar.
What does it mean word for word?
Quiero nadar is composed of the first-person singular present indicative of querer (to want) and the infinitive nadar (to swim).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear Quisiera nadar instead of Me gustaría nadar in formal settings.
How does it change in a sentence?
Using the imperfect subjunctive form quisiera instead of quiero makes the request more polite or expresses a wish more softly.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo nadaɾ/
Did you know?
- If you say Quiero nadar to a romantic partner, you are expressing a desire to swim, but if you say Te quiero, you are telling them 'I love you'.
- In many Latin American countries, if you want to express the desire to 'go for a swim' in a recreational sense, it is much more natural to say Quiero bañarme than Quiero nadar.
- The verb nadar is used in the idiom nadar contracorriente to describe someone who goes against the grain or resists social trends.
Examples in context
- Quiero nadar.I want to swim.Tatoeba #9278146 by Tilelli, translation #6274896 by CK
- Me gustaría nadar en la piscina después del trabajo, si eso es posibleI would like to swim in the pool after work, if that's possible
- ¡Quiero nadar en el mar y disfrutar del sol todo el día!I want to swim in the sea and enjoy the sun all day long!
- Quiero nadar en la piscina.I want to swim in the pool.
- Quiero nadar en el mar hoy.I want to swim in the sea today.
Example conversation
Sofia and Alejandro are at the beach.
- SofíaHace mucho calor y quiero nadar.It is very hot and I want to swim.
- AlejandroYo también quiero nadar contigo.I want to swim with you too.
- Sofía¿Vamos al agua ahora?Shall we go to the water now?
- AlejandroSí, vamos.Yes, let's go.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
