querer
Lemma Details
Translation: to want; to love; to wish; to desire; to like
Part of Speech: verb
Etymology: Querer comes from Latin 'quaerere' meaning 'to seek' or 'to ask for'. This Latin root also gave English words like 'query', 'quest', and 'inquest'. The semantic shift from 'seeking' to 'wanting' shows how desire often involves actively seeking what we want. The emotional sense of 'to love' developed later in Spanish, showing how wanting and loving are conceptually linked.
Commonality: 95%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'query' in English - when you query something, you're seeking information, just as 'querer' originally meant 'to seek'.
- The phrase 'I want to care' can help remember 'quiero' (I want) sounds a bit like 'care'.
- The irregular past form 'quise' sounds a bit like 'kiss' - something you might do to someone you love (querer).
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Querer is one of the most essential Spanish verbs, used both for expressing desires and affection. The distinction between 'querer' (to love in a general sense) and 'amar' (deeper, romantic love) is important in Spanish culture. 'Te quiero' is commonly used to express affection to family, friends, and romantic partners, while 'Te amo' is reserved for more intense romantic love.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'querer' means 'to want', 'poder' means 'to be able to' or 'can'. They're both common modal verbs but express different concepts - desire versus ability.
Confused word:
Puedo hablar español.
I can speak Spanish.
Notes: These verbs are often used together: 'Quiero poder hablar español' (I want to be able to speak Spanish).
Mnemonic: Querer is about desire (what you WANT), poder is about ability (what you CAN do).
Explanation: Both 'querer' and 'amar' can mean 'to love', but 'amar' typically indicates a deeper, more passionate love, while 'querer' can indicate affection or love in a more general sense.
This word:
Te quiero, amigo.
I love you, friend.
Confused word:
Te amo con todo mi corazón.
I love you with all my heart.
Notes: 'Te quiero' is more commonly used in everyday situations, while 'Te amo' is reserved for deeper romantic relationships.
Mnemonic: Think of 'querer' as 'caring' and 'amar' as 'amorous' (romantic love).