QUICK ANSWER
"Deseo" is a form of "deseo", a noun which is often translated as "wish". "Ojalá" is a form of "ojalá", an interjection which is often translated as "hopefully". Learn more about the difference between "deseo" and "ojalá" below.
el deseo(
deh
-
seh
-
oh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
ojalá(
oh
-
hah
-
lah
)An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
a. hopefully
Escuché que mañana llega tu hijo. - ¡Ojalá!I heard that your son arrives tomorrow. - Hopefully!
b. if only
Dijeron que van a cancelar clases mañana por la nieve. - ¡Ojalá!They said classes will be canceled tomorrow because of the snow. - If only!
c. I hope so (first person singular)
Parece que hoy será un día lindo por fin. - ¡Ojalá!It looks like today will finally be a nice day. - I hope so!
A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
b. I hope (first person singular)
La propuesta estará lista para la 1 pm. - ¡Ojalá tengas razón!The proposal should be ready by 1 pm. - I hope you're right!
c. let's hope (first person plural)
¡Ojalá tengamos buen tiempo el fin de semana!Let's hope there's good weather this weekend!
