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"I wish" is a form of "wish", a transitive verb which is often translated as "desear". "If only" is a phrase which is often translated as "si tan solo". Learn more about the difference between "if only" and "I wish" below.
if only(
ihf
on
-
li
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. si tan solo
If only I had caught the bus earlier, I would have made it to the theater on time.Si tan sólo hubiera subido al autobús más temprano, habría llegado al teatro a tiempo.
c. si solo
If only I'd worn my helmet, I wouldn't have gotten so badly hurt.Si solo hubiera llevado mi casco, no me habría lastimado tanto.
2. (even if)
a. aunque sea
I wish I could see you again, if only for one night.Espero que pudiera verte de nuevo, aunque sea por una noche.
a. aunque más no sea (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
Tyrone is very sad right now, if only because his bike was stolen.Tyrone está muy triste ahora mismo, aunque más no sea porque su bici fue robada.
b. aunque solo sea
My brother is happy, if only because he got a raise.Mi hermano está feliz, aunque solo sea porque le aumentaron el sueldo.
wish(
wihsh
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to desire)
a. desear
I wish you a very merry Christmas.Te deseo una muy feliz Navidad.
The family wishes to be notified of any change in the patient's condition.La familia desea que se les notifique de cualquier cambio en la condición del paciente.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I wish I could fly.Ojalá pudiera volar.
I wish you'd leave me alone.¿Por qué no me dejas en paz?
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. desear
It may be naive, but I'll never stop wishing for peace on Earth.Puede que sea ingenuo, pero jamás dejaré de desear paz en la tierra.
b. pedir un deseo
Do you remember that song about wishing upon a star?¿Te recuerdas de esa canción sobre pedirle un deseo a una estrella?
A noun is a word referring to a person, animal, place, thing, feeling, or idea (e.g., man, dog, house).
