querer ser amigos
/keɾeɾ seɾ amiɡos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "want to be friends" is translated into Spanish as querer ser amigos.
If you wish to express a desire for a romantic relationship instead, you would use querer ser novios.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the infinitive verb querer (to want), the infinitive ser (to be) and the noun amigos (friends).
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to "they want to be friends," use the third-person plural form of the verb: quieren ser amigos. If the group of people being referred to consists only of women, the plural noun changes from amigos to amigas in the phrase querer ser amigas.
How do you pronounce it?
/keɾeɾ seɾ amiɡos/
Did you know?
- Spanish distinguishes between ser and estar for the verb 'to be'. Querer ser amigos uses ser because friendship is considered a defining characteristic of a relationship rather than a temporary mood.
- In Spanish, if you say you quieres a alguien, it can mean you 'love' them rather than just 'want' them. This is because querer is often used to express deep affection.
- The verb querer shares a common ancestor with the English word 'query'.
Examples in context
- ¿Quieres ser mi amigo/a? Me encantaría descubrir la ciudad juntos y compartir nuestras experiencias de viaje.Do you want to be my friend? I'd love to explore the city together and share our travel experiences.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries querer, ser, CC BY-SA 4.0.
