vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Apetecer" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to feel like", and "antojarse" is a pronominal verb which is also often translated as "to feel like". Learn more about the difference between "apetecer" and "antojarse" below.
apetecer(
ah
-
peh
-
teh
-
sehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to want)
b. to fancy (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
¿Te apetecen las arepas con carne o con queso?Do you fancy corn cakes with meat or cheese?
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to feel like
Me apetece más quedarme en la cama que ir al trabajo.I feel like staying in bed more than going to work.
b. fancy (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
No me apetece salir con este frío.I don't fancy going out in this cold.
antojarse(
ahn
-
toh
-
hahr
-
seh
)A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to feel like
A la novia de Julián se le antojó comer cangrejo y nadie pudo convencerla de comer otra cosa.Julian's girlfriend felt like eating crab, and nobody could persuade her to have something different.
b. to have a craving for
A Iván se le antojó de repente tomar cerveza y no paró hasta no conseguirla.Ivan had a sudden craving for beer, and he didn't stop until getting some.
2. (literary) (to appear to be)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
a. to seem
Los días que pasaron hasta el fin de semana se les antojaron eternos.The days that passed until the weekend seemed endless to them.
