Quiero
/kjeɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'I want' is translated into Spanish as Quiero.
Quiero is used to express a desire or a wish for an object or an action. However, if you want to express that you want someone else to do something, you must use the construction Quiero que followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. Additionally, when followed by a person, such as in the phrase Quiero a…, the meaning shifts to expressing affection.
What does it mean word for word?
Quiero is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb querer, which means 'to want'.
Which one should you use?
While Quiero is used for general desire or possession, the specific construction Quiero a… is used to express affection for a person, translating more naturally to 'I love…' in English. For example, Quiero a mi mamá means 'I love my mom'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to hear Quería used instead of Quisiera when expressing wishes or wants in a formal manner.
How does it change in a sentence?
Quiero is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb querer. When you want someone else to perform an action, you must use the structure Quiero que plus a verb in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, using Quiero to order food or services can sound demanding or even rude to a waiter.
- While Quiero can mean 'I love', the verb querer is generally considered less intense than amar, which is reserved for deep, passionate or poetic love.
- While Quiero expresses a direct want, using the imperfect form Quería is often a more polite way to make a request in a restaurant.
Examples in context
- No sé si quiero.I don't know if I want to.This example shows how to express uncertainty about a desire using Quiero.Tatoeba #2973809 by hayastan, translation #6996845 by Hybrid
- Quiero a mi mamá.I want my mommy.This example demonstrates using Quiero to express affection for a person.Tatoeba #651402 by Shishir, translation #1887880 by CK
- No sé qué quiero.I don't know what I want.This example shows how to express uncertainty about what one wants using Quiero.Tatoeba #1785020 by Shishir, translation #1785015 by Amastan
- Deseo una copia del informe, por favor.I want a copy of the report, please.
- Quiero una hamburguesa con papas fritas.I want a hamburger with fries.
- Quería pedir un café, por favor.I would like to order a coffee, please.
- 2529 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is deciding what to eat for dinner.
- DanielQuiero comer algo italiano.I want to eat something Italian.
- Lucía¿Quieres pizza o pasta?Do you want pizza or pasta?
- DanielQuiero una pizza de queso.I want a cheese pizza.
- LucíaPerfecto, yo también quiero esa.Perfect, I want that one too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
