me gustaría tener
/me ɡustaɾia teneɾ/from spelling rules
me gustaría tener is the Spanish way to say "I would like to have".
This phrase is used as a polite way to express a desire to possess or obtain something.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is literally composed of me (to me), gustaría (it would be pleasing) and tener (to have).
Which one should you use?
While me gustaría tener is a polite and conditional expression, quiero tener is a direct statement of want ("I want to have").
How does it change in a sentence?
Quisiera tener is a common alternative to express the same polite desire, using the imperfect subjunctive of the verb querer.
How do you pronounce it?
/me ɡustaɾia teneɾ/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish cultures, expressing a desire with me gustaría can sound so hypothetical that it implies the object is impossible to obtain.
- The verb tener comes from a Latin root meaning 'to stretch' or 'to draw', which reflects the original sense of holding something firmly in one's grasp.
- The 'me' in this phrase does not mean 'I', but rather 'to me', because in Spanish, things do not simply 'please you', they are 'pleasing to you'.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría tener una casita con vista al mar.I would like to have a little house with a sea view.This sentence shows how to use me gustaría tener to describe a desired home.Tatoeba #9414779 by baudelaire, translation #12898810 by araneo
- Me gustaría tener algo para saborear con mi cerveza.I would like to have something to munch on with my beer.This sentence shows how to use me gustaría tener to express a desire for food to accompany a drink.Tatoeba #6807888 by albrusgher, translation #34850 by CC
- Me gustaría tener algunas tortitas ahora.I would like to have some pancakes now.This sentence shows how to use me gustaría tener to express a desire for food at a specific time.Tatoeba #853760 by japegon, translation #852604 by U2FS
- Quisiera tener una copia de ese libroI would like to have a copy of that book
- Desearía tener más información sobre el productoI would like to have more information about the product
- Me gustaría tener una bicicleta nuevaI would like to have a new bicycle
- Me gustaría tener una mesa para dos personas, por favor.I would like to have a table for two, please.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are talking about their future goals.
- Daniel¿Qué quieres hacer en el futuro, Sofía?What do you want to do in the future, Sofía?
- SofíaMe gustaría tener mi propio negocio.I would like to have my own business.
- DanielEso suena genial, a mí también me gustaría tener un negocio.That sounds great, I would also like to have a business.
- Sofía¡Podemos hacerlo juntos, Daniel!We can do it together, Daniel!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
