pedir un deseo a una estrella
/pediɾ un deseo a una estɾeʝa/from spelling rules
The phrase "wishing on a star" in Spanish is pedir un deseo a una estrella.
The phrase is used to describe the act of making a wish for something to happen while looking at a star.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to "to ask a wish to a star".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, one way to express this is to say pedir un deseo a una estrella fugaz.
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the act of making a wish, the verb pedir (to ask or request) is used instead of hacer (to make).
How do you pronounce it?
/pediɾ un deseo a una estɾeʝa/
Did you know?
- The word deseo comes from the Latin dēsidia, which originally referred to 'sloth' or 'debauchery' before evolving to mean a strong longing.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a wish is specifically linked to a estrella fugaz, or 'fleeting star', which is the common term for a shooting star.
Examples in context
- Si ves una estrella fugaz, pide un deseo.If you see a shooting star, make a wish.
- Ella solía pedir un deseo a una estrella de niña.She used to wish on a star as a child.
- No es bueno pedir un deseo a una estrella cada noche.It is not good to wish on a star every night.
- Él está intentando pedir un deseo a una estrella brillante.He is trying to wish on a bright star.
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at the night sky.
- JavierMira esa estrella, voy a pedir un deseo a una estrella.Look at that star, I am going to wish on a star.
- MaríaYo también quiero pedir un deseo.I want to make a wish too.
- JavierNo digas el deseo o no se cumplirá.Don't say the wish or it won't come true.
- MaríaTienes razón, me lo guardaré.You're right, I'll keep it to myself.
