Ojalá supiera más español
/oxala supjeɾa mas espaɲol/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I wish I knew more spanish" is translated into Spanish as Ojalá supiera más español.
This phrase is used to express a desire for a situation to be different from how it currently is.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Ojalá is a fossilized Arabic expression that literally translates to "if God wills" but is used to mean "I wish" or "hopefully".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express a wish about a present state that is contrary to reality, you must use Ojalá followed by a verb in the imperfect subjunctive. In this phrase, the verb supiera is in the imperfect subjunctive mood, which is required after Ojalá to express a wish for something that is currently not true.
Did you know?
- The term español might actually be linked to the Hebrew word for 'hyrax', a small mammal. This stems from an ancient theory that the name of the region was originally derived from a Punic term describing a 'coast of hyraxes'.
Examples in context
- Sí, me encantaría saber más español para poder disfrutar aún más mi visita.Yes, I would love to know more Spanish to enjoy my visit even more.
- Claro, ojalá supiera más español para disfrutar más cuando vaya.Sure, I wish I knew more Spanish to enjoy it more when I go.
- Me gustaría saber más español para poder comunicarme mejor con todos ustedes.I would like to know more Spanish to be able to communicate better with all of you.
- Ojalá supiera más español para entender la película.I wish I knew more Spanish to understand the movie.
- Ojalá supiera más español y pudiera viajar solo.I wish I knew more Spanish and could travel alone.
- Ojalá supiera más español, pero solo sé un poco.I wish I knew more Spanish, but I only know a little.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are visiting a market in Spain.
- LucíaNo entiendo lo que dice el vendedor.I don't understand what the seller is saying.
- MateoYo tampoco, es muy rápido.Me neither, he is very fast.
- LucíaOjalá supiera más español para ayudar.I wish I knew more Spanish to help.
- MateoNo te preocupes, Lucía, usaremos el traductor.Don't worry, Lucía, we will use the translator.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries español, más, ojalá, CC BY-SA 4.0.
