"Me apetece" vs. "Tengo ganas de"

Question

Me apetece o tengo ganas de... What is the difference?

Answer 1

Hi.. There's virtually no difference. Both mean I feel like or I'm in the mood for...

thanks so much francobollo. - carlyj, Apr 1, 2012

Answer 2

Yes, I don’t think that there’s a difference. The only thing is that when you use “se me apetece”or “se me antoja” it is more use like “craving for food” for Example: “I’m craving for a coffee” “se me apetece un café”. You can also say “ I feel like drinking a coffee” “tengo ganas de un café” but in my opinon you will sound more naturally saying “se me apetece”when is related to food. Because “tengo ganas” is more in general “tengo ganas of doing something.” “tengo ganas of eating something.” “I feel like going out and playing golf.” “tengo ganas de salir y jugar golf” or “se me apetece salir y jugar golf” either way is correct but I prefer to use “se me apetece” exclusively with food.

from now on that will stay in my mind. food=me apetece everything else=tengo ganas. - carlyj, Apr 1, 2012