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"Ansiar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to long for", and "anhelar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to long". Learn more about the difference between "ansiar" and "anhelar" below.
ansiar(
ahn
-
syahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to crave)
a. to long for
Después de un día entero de caminata bajo la lluvia, ansiaba un baño caliente.After a whole day walking in the rain, I was longing for a hot bath.
Los admiradores del actor ansiaban su retorno a la pantalla grande.The actor's fans longed for his return to the big screen.
b. to yearn for
Con tres niños pequeños en la casa, ansiaba un poco de orden y paz en mi vida.With three young children in the house, I yearned for some order and peace in my life.
c. to long to (used with infinitive)
Ansiaba dejar el hospital pero no estaba suficientemente recuperada.I was longing to get out of the hospital but I wasn't well enough yet.
anhelar(
ahn
-
eh
-
lahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to long
Anhelo regresar al país en donde nací.I long to return to the country where I was born.
La pequeña niña había vivido toda su vida en un lugar remoto del interior del país, y anhelaba ver el mar.The little girl had lived all of her life in a remote part of the country's interior, and she longed to see the sea.
b. to long for
Cristina anhelaba al amor que había dejado atrás.Cristina longed for the love she had left behind.
c. to yearn
Susana anhela volver a reunirse con su familia.Susana yearns to be reunited with her family.
d. to yearn for
Desde pequeño, siempre ha anhelado la fama y el dinero.Ever since he can remember, he's yearned for fame and money.
