The same verb can express desire or affection.
The idea
Use querer with a thing or infinitive for wanting; querer a a person often expresses affection.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| querer + thing | I want a cup of tea. |
| querer a + person | My grandmother loves her grandchildren. |
Examples
- Quiero una taza de té.I want a cup of tea.
- Queremos descansar después del viaje.We want to rest after the trip.
- Mi abuela quiere a sus nietos.My grandmother loves her grandchildren.
- Quiero a mi hermana aunque vivimos lejos.I love my sister although we live far apart.
- ¿Quieres abrir la ventana?Do you want to open the window?
- Ella quiere mucho a su amiga.She cares deeply for her friend.
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Watch out
The personal a marks a person; it does not itself mean affection. Context can also express wanting a person for a role.
Try it yourself
Choose the missing word. Quiero ___ libro. (un / a)
Show answer or example answer
un
un introduces the desired book.
Choose the missing word. Queremos ___ nuestros amigos. (a / en)
Show answer or example answer
a
a marks the specific people who are loved.
Choose the missing word. Quieren ___ más temprano. (salir / a)
Show answer or example answer
salir
salir names the action they want to do.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the missing word. Quiero ___ libro. (un / a)
Choose the missing word. Queremos ___ nuestros amigos. (a / en)
Choose the missing word. Quieren ___ más temprano. (salir / a)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Write one sentence about something you want and one about someone you love.