si quieres
/si kjeɾes/from spelling rules
The English phrase "if you want" is translated into Spanish as si quieres.
si quieres is a phrase used to give someone the choice to do something or to offer a suggestion. It can stand alone as a complete clause to mean "if you wish," whereas English often requires an object or an infinitive like "if you want to."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Central America, the phrase Si gustas has a similar meaning to "if you want".
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone formally as usted, use the third-person singular form si quiere instead of the second-person si quieres.
How do you pronounce it?
/si kjeɾes/
Did you know?
- In some regions, saying si quieres with a specific rising intonation can turn a polite suggestion into a subtle challenge or a sarcastic 'if you dare'.
- The word si has a direct ancestor in the Latin word si, which meant 'if' and has remained virtually unchanged for thousands of years.
- If you are offering someone a snack or a drink, using si gustas in Mexico can sound much more hospitable and warmer than the standard si quieres.
Examples in context
- Es tuyo si quieres.It's yours if you want it.This sentence shows how to express that something belongs to someone if they want it using si quieres.Tatoeba #3881754 by cueyayotl, translation #3386077 by Hybrid
- Si quieres, voy yo.If you want, I'll go.This sentence provides an example of offering to do something for someone using si quieres.Tatoeba #8448331 by arh, translation #8543003 by lunchmeat317
- Si quieres, puedes ir.You can go if you want to.This sentence demonstrates how to express permission using si quieres.Tatoeba #528477 by Shishir, translation #30849 by CK
- Si quieres venir al cine, avísame.If you want to come to the cinema, let me know.
- 174 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are deciding what to do on a Friday night.
- JavierPodemos ir al cine, si quieres.We can go to the cinema, if you want.
- ElenaNo, prefiero quedarme en casa.No, I prefer to stay at home.
- JavierEstá bien, Elena. ¿Qué quieres hacer?That's fine, Elena. What do you want to do?
- ElenaSolo quiero descansar un poco.I just want to rest a little.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries si, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
