Compare who wants the action and who does it.
The idea
With verbs such as querer and desear, use an infinitive when the subject is the same. A different subject generally calls for que and the subjunctive.
Examples
- Quiero aprender a cocinar.I want to learn to cook.
- Deseamos visitar la costa.We wish to visit the coast.
- Ella quiere descansar hoy.She wants to rest today.
- Queremos plantar un árbol.We want to plant a tree.
- Prefiero caminar por el parque.I prefer to walk through the park.
- Quiero que mi vecino riegue las plantas.I want my neighbour to water the plants.
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Watch out
Do not insert que before the infinitive when the same person wants and performs the action.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct form: Quiero ___ por el norte. (viajar / que viaje)
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viajar
viajar: the speaker both wants and travels.
Choose the correct form: Deseamos ___ juntos. (estudiar / que estudiemos)
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estudiar
estudiar: the same people want and study.
Choose the correct form: Quiero que mi amiga ___ mañana. (venga / venir)
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venga
venga: another person is expected to come.
Practice round
Answer questions, then rebuild Spanish sentences where available. We keep your score.
Choose the correct form: Quiero ___ por el norte. (viajar / que viaje)
Choose the correct form: Deseamos ___ juntos. (estudiar / que estudiemos)
Choose the correct form: Quiero que mi amiga ___ mañana. (venga / venir)
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 wish for yourself and one for another person.