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"Ojalá" is a form of "ojalá", an interjection which is often translated as "hopefully". "Desearía" is a form of "desear", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to want". Learn more about the difference between "ojalá" and "desearía" below.
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!
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.
