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"Desear" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to want", and "querer" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to want". Learn more about the difference between "desear" and "querer" below.
desear(
deh
-
seh
-
ahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to want
Solo deseo hacerte feliz.I just want to make you happy.
¿Qué deseas para Navidad?What do you want for Christmas?
c. to desire
Los discursos del presidente dejan mucho que desear.The president's speeches leave a lot to be desired.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
"¿Qué desea?", preguntó el mayordomo."How can I help you?," asked the butler.
¿Desea algo de tomar?Would you like something to drink?
a. to want
"Te deseo", dijo el rompecorazones de la película."I want you," said the heartbreaker in the movie.
querer(
keh
-
rehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
5. (romance)
a. love affair
Cuando salió a relucir su querer, el gobernador renunció.When his love affair was exposed, the governor resigned.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
quererse
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
