Wishful Speaking: Mastering the Art of 'I Wish' in Spanish (2024)

Ever found yourself daydreaming in Spanish and stumbling when trying to express those dreams? Buckle up as we dive into the enchanting world of expressing wishes in Spanish, a journey that’s more than just grammar; it’s about capturing the soul of a language that’s as colorful and diverse as its speakers.

The Heart of Desire: Querer vs Desear

In Spanish, two verbs take the center stage in wish-making: querer and desear. Both mean ‘to want’ or ‘to wish,’ but their usage can be as varied as the landscapes of Spain and Latin America. While querer often implies a stronger, more heartfelt desire, desear can be a tad more formal or polite.

Querer:

• “Quiero viajar a España este año”
• (I want to travel to Spain this year)
  • Listen:

• “Quiero aprender a cocinar platos españoles.”
• (I want to learn to cook Spanish dishes)
  • Listen:

• “Quiero vivir en un país de habla hispana.”
• (I want to live in a Spanish-speaking country)
  • Listen:

Desear:

• “Deseo una taza de café”
• (I wish for a cup of coffee)
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• “Deseo éxito en tus exámenes.”
• (I wish you success in your exams)
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• “Deseo paz y felicidad para todos.”
• (I wish for peace and happiness for everyone)
  • Listen:

The Subjunctive: A Gateway to Dreams

Ah, the Spanish subjunctive – a mood that’s not about reality, but about what could be. It’s the key to sentences like “Ojalá que llueva mañana” (I hope it rains tomorrow). The subjunctive is a mood that’s used more frequently in Spanish than in English, making it a crucial part of expressing wishes and dreams.

• “Espero que tengas un buen día”
• (I hope you have a good day)
  • Listen:

• “Ojalá que encuentres lo que buscas”
• (I hope you find what you’re looking for)
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• “Espero que encuentres tu camino en la vida.”
• (I hope you find your way in life)
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• “Ojalá que el próximo año sea mejor.”
• (I hope next year is better)
  • Listen:

The Magic Word: Ojalá

Speaking of dreams, let’s talk about ojalá, a word with Arabic roots that’s steeped in history and emotion. It’s often followed by the subjunctive and expresses a strong hope or wish.

• “Ojalá que pueda visitar Latinoamérica algún día”
• (I wish I could visit Latin America one day)
  • Listen:

• “Ojalá que estés feliz”
• (I hope you are happy)
  • Listen:
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• “Ojalá que podamos reunirnos pronto.”
• (I wish we could meet soon)
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• “Ojalá que la vida te sonría siempre.”
• (I hope life always smiles at you)
  • Listen:

Wishing in Different Flavors

The beauty of Spanish lies in its regional variations. Dive into the rich tapestry of Spanish slang and discover how wishes are expressed differently across the Spanish-speaking world. From the Dominican slang to the Argentinian lingo, each phrase carries the unique essence of its origin.

• “Que te vaya bien”
  • Listen:

Commonly used in many countries, meaning: ‘I hope it goes well for you’.

• “Que tengas suerte”
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(Wishing luck, a universal sentiment)

• “Que tus sueños se hagan realidad.”
• (May your dreams come true)
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• “Que tengas un día lleno de alegrías.”
• (Have a day full of joys)
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Expressions for Every Dreamer

Spanish is a language for poets and dreamers. Here are some expressions to add to your wishful vocabulary:

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• “Me gustaría aprender a bailar salsa”
• (I would like to learn to dance salsa)
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• “Si pudiera, viajaría por todo el mundo”
• (If I could, I would travel the world)
  • Listen:

• “Me gustaría ser capaz de hablar español fluidamente.”
• (I would like to be able to speak Spanish fluently)
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• “Si pudiera, escribiría un libro en español.”
• (If I could, I would write a book in Spanish)
  • Listen:

As you embark on this journey of wishful expressions, remember that every phrase you learn is a step closer to understanding the heart and soul of Spanish culture. Whether it’s through learning Spanish with music or immersing yourself in Spanish movies, every word brings you closer to the vibrant world of Spanish speakers.

So, dear readers, ojalá that this guide ignites your passion for Spanish and helps you weave your dreams into beautifully articulated wishes. ¡Buena suerte!

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