querer
/keˈɾeɾ/
The English phrase 'want to' is expressed in Spanish using querer.
querer is used to express having a desire or wish to do something. Depending on the context, it can mean both 'to want' and 'to love' (specifically for people or things).
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'want to do something', the verb querer is followed directly by the infinitive of the second verb without a preposition like 'to'. In the present indicative tense, the verb changes based on the subject: quiero (I want), quieres (you want), quiere (he/she wants), queremos (we want) and quieren (they want).
How do you pronounce it?
/keˈɾeɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word querer is a direct relative of the English word 'query'. While 'query' means to ask a question, both words share a root meaning 'to seek' or 'to look for'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using querer to express a strong demand can sound quite aggressive or childish. To be more polite when asking for something, people often use the conditional form quisiera instead of the present tense.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, using querer to say 'I love you' (te quiero) is the standard way to express affection for friends and family, while amar is reserved for intense, romantic passion.
Examples in context
- Vas a querer ver esto.You'll want to see this.This sentence shows how to use querer to express a future desire to see something.Tatoeba #2011987 by marcelostockle, translation #2011983 by CK
- ¿Estás seguro de querer ir?Do you really want to go?This sentence uses querer to ask if someone truly wants to go somewhere.Tatoeba #6816012 by arh, translation #6815628 by CK
- ¿Estás seguro de querer usar eso?Are you sure you want to use that?This sentence uses querer to ask if someone is sure about wanting to use something.Tatoeba #10082262 by Shishir, translation #10134413 by DJ_Saidez
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry querer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries querer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
