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"Qué desea" is a form of "qué desea", a phrase which is often translated as "what would you like". "Desean" is a form of "desear", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to want". Learn more about the difference between "qué desea" and "desean" below.
qué desea(
keh
deh
-
seh
-
ah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (formal) (second person singular; in questions)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
b. how can I help you
¡Buenas tardes! ¿Qué desea? - Un café con leche, por favor.Good afternoon! How can I help you? - A coffee with milk, please.
a. what does he want (masculine)
¿Qué desea ver durante su estancia en Londres?What does he want to see during his stay in London?
b. what does she want (feminine)
¿Qué desea saber acerca del viaje?What does she want to know about the trip?
3. (formal) (second person singular; in statements)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. what you would like
Dígame qué desea y le pondré con el departamento correspondiente.Tell me what you would like and I'll put you through to the relevant department.
a. what he wants (masculine)
Así que un café para usted. ¿Y su marido, le dijo qué desea tomar?So a coffee for you. And your husband? Did he say what he wants to drink?
b. what she wants (feminine)
Ella no sé qué desea, pero ahora vuelve y le puede preguntar usted mismo.I don't know what she wants, but she'll be back in a moment and you'll be able to ask her yourself.
desear(
deh
-
seh
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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.
