pedir un deseo
/pediɾ un deseo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "make a wish" is translated into Spanish as pedir un deseo.
The phrase pedir un deseo is used in the same contexts as in English, such as when blowing out birthday candles or seeing a shooting star. While pedir un deseo describes the act of making the wish, the related phrase cumplir un deseo is used when a wish actually comes true or is granted.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, pedir un deseo translates to "to ask for a wish" rather than "to make a wish".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase pedir un deseo, the verb pedir is in its infinitive form. In a sentence, it will conjugate according to the subject, such as pide un deseo (make a wish/command) or pedí un deseo (I made a wish).
How do you pronounce it?
/pediɾ un deseo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the verb cumplir is used when a wish comes true, which is the same verb used to say someone is 'turning' a certain age on their birthday.
- The English word 'petition' is a distant linguistic relative of the Spanish word pedir, as both descend from the Latin 'petere', meaning to seek or request.
- The Spanish language distinguishes between the act of asking for a wish pedir un deseo and the act of longing for something desear.
Examples in context
- Es una tradición estadounidense pedir un deseo por tu cumpleaños.It's an American tradition to make a wish on your birthday.This sentence shows how to use pedir un deseo in the context of birthday traditions.Tatoeba #803466 by Shishir, translation #682456 by Source_VOA
- En este momento, les invito a realizar un deseo.At this moment, I invite you to make a wish.
- ¿Han formulado sus deseos?Have you made your wishes?
- Pide un deseo antes de soplar las velas.Make a wish before blowing out the candles.
- Antes de soplar las velas, debes pedir un deseo.Before blowing out the candles, you must make a wish.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are celebrating Elena's birthday with a cake.
- Javier¡Feliz cumpleaños, Elena! Ahora, pide un deseo.Happy birthday, Elena! Now, make a wish.
- ElenaGracias, Javier. Espero que se cumpla.Thank you, Javier. I hope it comes true.
- Javier¿Quieres pedir un deseo antes de soplar las velas?Do you want to make a wish before blowing out the candles?
- ElenaSí, ya estoy lista.Yes, I am ready.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deseo, pedir, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
