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desear

to desire

verb deh-seh-AHR Less Common
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Also means

to wish

Usage Note

Desear is slightly more formal or literary than querer, though both translate as 'to want/wish'. It is the standard verb in polite formulas: le deseo mucho éxito ('I wish you great success'). Unlike querer, desear is rarely used for possessing things and carries a stronger sense of longing.

Examples

"Deseo que tengas mucha suerte."

Natural Translation

I wish you a lot of luck.

Literal Translation

I-wish that you-have much luck

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