querer + Infinitive
Want to
Use querer + another verb to say you 'want to do' something.
How It Works
This is one of the most common and useful structures in Spanish. It allows you to talk about your desires and intentions. The formula is simple:
Subject + (conjugated querer) + Infinitive Verb
1. Conjugate querer: The verb querer means 'to want'. You must change its ending to match who is doing the wanting. It's an irregular, stem-changing verb (e → ie) in most forms.
- quiero - I want
- quieres - you (tú) want
- quiere - he/she/you (usted) wants
- queremos - we want
- queréis - you (vosotros) want
- quieren - they/you (ustedes) want
2. Add an Infinitive: The infinitive is the basic, unconjugated form of a verb, like 'to speak' (hablar), 'to eat' (comer), or 'to live' (vivir). This second verb is never conjugated.
For example:
Yo quiero comer.
- Yo = I (subject)
- quiero = I want (conjugated
querer) - comer = to eat (infinitive)
This structure is very similar to other patterns like ir + a + infinitive ('to be going to do') and tener que + infinitive ('to have to do'), where only the first verb is conjugated.
Examples (5)
- Quiero aprender español.
I want to learn Spanish.
Word by Word: I want to learn Spanish.
- ¿Quieres ir al cine conmigo?
Do you want to go to the movies with me?
Word by Word: You want to go to the cinema with me?
- Mi hermana quiere comprar un vestido nuevo.
My sister wants to buy a new dress.
Word by Word: My sister wants to buy a dress new.
- Nosotros queremos viajar por todo el mundo.
We want to travel all over the world.
Word by Word: We want to travel for all the world.
- Ellos no quieren trabajar el sábado.
They don't want to work on Saturday.
Word by Word: They not want to work the Saturday.
Common Mistakes
Conjugating the second verb after 'querer'.
Yo quiero como una pizza.Yo quiero comer una pizza.Only the first verb, 'querer', should be conjugated. The verb that expresses the desired action must remain in its infinitive form (ending in -ar, -er, or -ir).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'querer + infinitive', a learner must understand how to conjugate verbs based on subject pronouns and be familiar with the concept of using an infinitive after a conjugated verb to express an action.
- -o/-es/-e/-emos/-éis/-enPresent Tense -ER Verbs
Since 'querer' is an -er verb, the learner needs to be familiar with standard -er conjugation patterns, even though 'querer' also involves a stem change.
Level 1 - tener que + InfinitiveObligation with Tener
This pattern introduces the concept of combining a conjugated verb with an infinitive to express a specific modality, which is the same structural logic used in 'querer + infinitive'.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- ir + a + InfinitiveNear Future
This pattern expresses future intention ('going to do something'). It also uses a conjugated verb followed by an infinitive, like 'Voy a hablar español' (I am going to speak Spanish).
Level 1 - me gusta/te gusta/le gustaGustar (Singular)
This is another common way to express likes and preferences, which is related to wanting something. 'Me gusta el libro' (I like the book) vs. 'Quiero leer el libro' (I want to read the book).
Level 1 - yo/tú/él/ella/ustedSubject Pronouns (Singular)
Understanding subject pronouns is essential for knowing how to conjugate
Foundationsquerercorrectly to match the person who wants to do the action.
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice querer + Infinitive in Bubblegum
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