vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Desire" is a noun which is often translated as "el deseo", and "wish for" is an intransitive verb phrase which is often translated as "desear". Learn more about the difference between "desire" and "wish for" below.
desire()
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. desear
I desire a lot of things in life, but the most important is happiness.Yo deseo muchas cosas en la vida, pero la más importante es la felicidad.
wish for()
An intransitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and does not require a direct object (e.g., Everybody please stand up.).
1. (general)
a. desear
I only wished for everything to go back to normal.Yo solo deseaba que todo volviera a la normalidad.
b. no direct translation
The following examples show ways to translate this word or phrase without using a direct equivalent.
My family and friends are here with me. What more could one wish for?Mi familia y mis amigos están aquí conmigo. ¿Qué más se puede pedir?
Their products are of excellent quality and are not overpriced. You can't wish for more.Sus productos son de excelente calidad y no tienen un precio excesivo. No se puede pedir más.
