desear
/deseˈaɾ/
To wish for in Spanish is desear.
The verb desear is a common way to translate 'to wish' in Spanish. It is used to express a hope or a want for something to happen.
Which one should you use?
While desear can mean 'to wish for' a thing, it is often more formal or intense than querer, which is the common way to say 'to want'. The verb anhelar is a more poetic way to convey deeper desires.
How does it change in a sentence?
When wishing for an action to be performed by someone else, use desear que followed by the subjunctive mood. The first-person singular present indicative form of desear is deseo.
How do you pronounce it?
/deseˈaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if you say you deseas a person, it sounds much more sexually charged and physical than the English 'I wish for you'. In most casual contexts, using querer is safer to avoid sounding like you are expressing carnal lust.
- The Spanish word desear shares an etymological root with the Latin invidia, which is the source of the English word 'envy'.
- The word deseo is used in standard polite well-wishing across many Spanish-speaking cultures, where it functions as a formal courtesy rather than a expression of intense passion.
Examples in context
- Le deseo un feliz cumpleaños.I wish you a happy birthday.
- Quisiera expresarle mi deseo de felicidad.I would like to express my wish for happiness to you.
- Anhelamos un futuro próspero para ustedes.We wish for a prosperous future for you.
- Te deseo un buen viaje.I wish you a good trip.
- ¡Ojalá tengas un día increíble!I wish/hope you have an amazing day!
- Que tengas éxito en todo lo que hagas.I wish you success in everything you do.
- Deseo que tengas un buen día.I wish that you have a good day.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are talking about their future dreams.
- MaríaMaría, ¿qué es lo que más quieres desear hoy?María, what is it that you want to wish for most today?
- DanielQuiero desear mucha salud para mi familia.I want to wish for lots of health for my family.
- MaríaEso es un deseo muy noble, Daniel.That is a very noble wish, Daniel.
- DanielSí, es lo más importante para mí.Yes, it is the most important thing for me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry desear, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries desear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
