At the A1 level, a 'wishlist' is a very simple concept. It is a list of things you want. Think about a letter to Santa Claus or a list of toys for your birthday. You can say, 'I have a wishlist for my birthday.' You might see this word on shopping websites like Amazon. It is a place to save things you like but are not buying today. It is like a 'favorites' list. You use simple verbs like 'make' or 'have.' For example: 'I make a wishlist for Christmas.' It is a good word to know when you start shopping online in English.
At the A2 level, you can use 'wishlist' to talk about more than just toys. You can have a wishlist for clothes, books, or video games. You understand that a wishlist is different from a shopping bag. You might say, 'I added the blue shirt to my wishlist because it is too expensive now.' You can also use it to talk about travel. 'My travel wishlist has London and Paris on it.' At this level, you start to use the word in social situations, like asking a friend, 'What is on your wishlist this year?'
At the B1 level, you can use 'wishlist' in more varied contexts, including work or planning. You might describe a 'wishlist' of features for a project. For example, 'Our team has a wishlist for the new office, including a better coffee machine.' You understand that a wishlist is a way to organize thoughts and priorities. You can use phrases like 'top of my wishlist' to show what is most important to you. You are also aware of the digital meaning, such as 'wishlisting' a game on a platform to get notifications about sales.
At the B2 level, you use 'wishlist' to discuss abstract concepts and consumer behavior. You might talk about the 'psychology of the wishlist' and how it helps people manage their spending. You can use the word metaphorically in professional negotiations: 'That feature is on our wishlist, but it's not a deal-breaker.' You understand the nuance between a 'wishlist' and a 'registry' or a 'bucket list.' You can write reviews or blog posts discussing 'The ultimate wishlist for tech lovers,' using the word to categorize and rank desires effectively.
At the C1 level, you use 'wishlist' with precision and stylistic flair. You might use it in a corporate strategy meeting to distinguish between 'core requirements' and the 'stakeholder wishlist.' You recognize the word's role in data-driven marketing and how companies use wishlists to predict trends. Your vocabulary includes related idiomatic expressions and you can use the term to critique consumerist culture. You might say, 'The politician's manifesto was little more than a populist wishlist with no clear funding plan,' showing a sophisticated, metaphorical application of the term.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'wishlist' in all its forms. You can use it to discuss complex philosophical ideas about desire and anticipation. You might analyze how the digital 'wishlist' has fundamentally altered the 'delayed gratification' mechanism in the human brain. You can use the term in high-level academic or technical writing, perhaps discussing 'policy wishlists' in international relations or 'architectural wishlists' in systems design. You are comfortable with the word's evolution and its status as a ubiquitous term in the digital economy.

wishlist en 30 segundos

  • A wishlist is a personal or professional list of desired items or goals that have not yet been acquired or achieved.
  • It is a standard feature on most e-commerce websites, allowing users to save products for future consideration or price tracking.
  • The term can be used metaphorically to describe a set of ideal but non-essential features for a project or plan.
  • Wishlists help organize gift-giving and can serve as a psychological tool to manage impulsive spending by delaying purchases.

The term wishlist has evolved from a simple handwritten note of childhood dreams into a cornerstone of modern digital commerce and personal organization. At its core, a wishlist is a curated collection of items, experiences, or goals that an individual desires but has not yet acquired or achieved. In the physical world, this often took the form of a letter to Santa Claus or a list pinned to a refrigerator before a birthday. However, in the contemporary era, the word is most frequently associated with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Steam, or Etsy. Here, it serves as a virtual holding area—a psychological middle ground between 'just looking' and 'committing to buy.' It allows users to track price drops, organize gift ideas, and manage their consumer impulses without the immediate financial pressure of a shopping cart. Beyond retail, the term is used metaphorically in professional settings to describe a set of ideal features for a project or a list of 'nice-to-have' outcomes that may not be feasible within the current budget or timeframe.

Retail Context
A digital feature allowing shoppers to save products for future purchase, often used to track sales or share gift ideas with family and friends.
Professional Context
A list of requirements or features that stakeholders would like to see in a product, though they are not strictly necessary for the initial launch.
Personal Context
A mental or written inventory of life goals, travel destinations, or self-improvement milestones one hopes to achieve.

I have a huge wishlist on that bookstore website, but I am waiting for a 20% discount code before I buy anything.

The psychological impact of the wishlist is significant. It provides a sense of 'pseudo-ownership,' where the act of adding an item to a list satisfies the initial dopamine hit of shopping without the subsequent 'buyer's remorse' or financial depletion. For businesses, wishlists are data goldmines, revealing consumer preferences and intent even when a transaction doesn't occur. This data allows for targeted marketing and personalized recommendations. In a broader sense, a wishlist represents hope and future-oriented thinking. It is a roadmap of our aspirations, whether those aspirations are as small as a new pair of sneakers or as large as a career change. Using a wishlist effectively involves regular curation; an unmanaged wishlist can become a source of clutter and stress rather than a tool for organized desire.

The software developers asked the clients for their wishlist of features for the new app version.

Traveling to Japan has been at the top of my travel wishlist for over a decade.

She shared her wedding wishlist with her relatives so they wouldn't buy duplicate gifts.

The manager's wishlist for the new office included a coffee bar and ergonomic chairs.

Using the word wishlist correctly depends on whether you are referring to a literal digital list or a metaphorical set of desires. As a noun, it functions as the object of verbs like 'create,' 'update,' 'populate,' or 'share.' You can also 'add items to' or 'remove items from' a wishlist. In a professional context, it often appears in the phrase 'wishlist of features' or 'wishlist of requirements.' When discussing personal goals, it is frequently paired with adjectives like 'ultimate,' 'long-term,' or 'ambitious.' It is important to remember that a wishlist is distinct from a 'to-do list'; the former focuses on what you want to possess or experience, while the latter focuses on tasks you must perform.

Verb Pairings
Common verbs used with wishlist include: curate, manage, share, export, and fulfill.
Adjective Modifiers
Common adjectives include: digital, holiday, comprehensive, unrealistic, and prioritized.

Please wishlist our game on Steam to help us with the algorithm!

Interestingly, 'wishlist' is increasingly being used as a verb, particularly in the gaming community. To 'wishlist a game' means to add it to your list of interests on a digital storefront. This action is crucial for independent developers as it signals to the platform that there is high demand for the product, often leading to better visibility. In standard English, however, it remains primarily a noun. When using it in formal writing, stick to the noun form. For example, instead of saying 'I wishlisted the item,' you might say 'I added the item to my wishlist.' This maintains a more professional tone. In casual conversation, both are acceptable.

The architect asked for a wishlist of all the rooms the family wanted in their dream home.

My wishlist for the perfect vacation includes a beach, good food, and no Wi-Fi.

You will encounter the word wishlist in a variety of modern environments, ranging from the highly commercial to the deeply personal. The most common place is undoubtedly the internet. Every major online retailer uses this terminology to encourage users to save items. If you watch YouTube influencers or 'tech-tubers,' you will often hear them talk about their 'tech wishlist' for the year or review items that were on their wishlist for a long time. In these contexts, the word carries a connotation of aspiration and careful selection.

E-commerce Sites
Buttons labeled 'Add to Wishlist' are ubiquitous next to 'Add to Cart' buttons.
Gaming Communities
Steam users frequently discuss their wishlists during seasonal sales like the Summer Sale.
Corporate Meetings
Project managers use it to categorize non-essential but desirable project goals.

In social circles, particularly around the holidays or major life events like weddings and graduations, the word is used to facilitate gift-giving. Instead of the awkwardness of asking 'What do you want?', people now simply ask, 'Do you have a wishlist I can look at?' This has normalized the process of requesting specific gifts, reducing the likelihood of receiving unwanted items. In the workplace, during 'brainstorming' sessions, a leader might say, 'Let's create a wishlist for the next quarter.' This signals an open, creative space where no idea is too expensive or difficult to consider initially. It allows the team to dream before the reality of budgets and deadlines sets in.

The charity published a wishlist of supplies they needed for the animal shelter.

While wishlist is a relatively straightforward term, learners and even native speakers often confuse it with similar concepts. The most frequent error is confusing a 'wishlist' with a 'shopping cart.' A shopping cart is for items you intend to buy *now*. A wishlist is for items you might buy *later*. If you tell a customer support agent, 'I added it to my wishlist but I can't checkout,' they will explain that you must move the item to your cart first. Another common mistake is using 'wishlist' when 'bucket list' is more appropriate. A bucket list is specifically for experiences you want to have before you die (e.g., skydiving), whereas a wishlist is usually for material goods or short-term goals.

Wishlist vs. Cart
Wishlist = Intent/Interest. Cart = Immediate Purchase.
Wishlist vs. Bucket List
Wishlist = General desires (often material). Bucket List = Life-defining experiences.

Grammatically, some people treat 'wishlist' as a plural noun because it contains many items. However, 'wishlist' is a singular count noun. You should say 'My wishlist *is* full,' not 'My wishlist *are* full.' If you are talking about multiple lists (e.g., one for books and one for clothes), then you use the plural 'wishlists.' Additionally, avoid overusing the verb form in formal academic writing. While 'I wishlisted the book' is fine for a text message, 'I added the book to my wishlist' is better for an essay or a formal report.

If you want to vary your vocabulary, there are several alternatives to wishlist, each with a slightly different nuance. 'Want list' is a more direct, though less common, synonym. 'Registry' is the standard term for formal events like weddings or baby showers. 'Inventory of desires' is a more poetic or psychological way to describe the concept. In a business setting, you might use 'backlog' or 'feature requests' to describe a wishlist of software improvements.

Registry
Used for: Weddings, baby showers. Nuance: Specifically for gift-giving by others.
Bucket List
Used for: Life goals. Nuance: High emotional weight, often once-in-a-lifetime events.
Backlog
Used for: Work, software development. Nuance: Items that need to be done eventually but are currently pending.

For a more informal or slangy feel, you might hear people talk about their 'grails' (highly coveted, hard-to-find items) or their 'must-haves.' While a wishlist can include anything, a 'must-have' list implies a higher level of necessity or intense desire. Understanding these subtle differences helps you choose the right word for the right situation. For instance, you wouldn't tell your boss you have a 'bucket list' of features for the new website; you would call it a 'wishlist' or a 'proposal.'

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The term 'wishlist' exploded in usage with the rise of Amazon.com in the late 1990s, which made the feature a standard part of the online shopping experience.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /ˈwɪʃ.lɪst/
US /ˈwɪʃ.lɪst/
The primary stress is on the first syllable: WISH-list.
Rima con
Mist Wrist Fist Grist Twist Assist Exist Insist
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'wish' as 'weesh'.
  • Adding an 'e' sound before 'list' (e.g., 'wish-e-list').
  • Merging the two words into 'wishist'.
  • Putting stress on 'list' instead of 'wish'.
  • Pronouncing 'list' as 'least'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 1/5

Very easy to recognize on websites.

Escritura 2/5

Simple compound word, easy to spell.

Expresión oral 1/5

Clear pronunciation, common in daily life.

Escucha 1/5

Easily understood in context.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

wish list want buy gift

Aprende después

registry bucket list inventory cart checkout

Avanzado

aspiration desiderata acquisition prioritization backlog

Gramática que debes saber

Compound Nouns

Wishlist is a compound noun formed by 'wish' and 'list'.

Prepositions with Lists

We say 'on a wishlist', not 'in a wishlist'.

Verbs of Desire

Wishlists often follow verbs like 'want', 'hope', and 'desire'.

Pluralization

One wishlist, two wishlists.

Possessive Adjectives

My wishlist, your wishlist, her wishlist.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

I have a birthday wishlist.

Tengo una lista de deseos para mi cumpleaños.

Use 'have' with wishlist.

2

Is this on your wishlist?

¿Está esto en tu lista de deseos?

Question form.

3

I want to make a wishlist.

Quiero hacer una lista de deseos.

Verb 'make' + wishlist.

4

My wishlist is very long.

Mi lista de deseos es muy larga.

Adjective 'long' modifying wishlist.

5

Put the book on the wishlist.

Pon el libro en la lista de deseos.

Imperative form.

6

I don't have a wishlist.

No tengo una lista de deseos.

Negative form.

7

Santa has my wishlist.

Santa tiene mi lista de deseos.

Possessive 'my'.

8

Look at my wishlist!

¡Mira mi lista de deseos!

Exclamation.

1

I added the shoes to my wishlist.

Añadí los zapatos a mi lista de deseos.

Past tense 'added'.

2

Can I see your Christmas wishlist?

¿Puedo ver tu lista de deseos de Navidad?

Modal 'can' for permission.

3

She has many items on her wishlist.

Ella tiene muchos artículos en su lista de deseos.

Quantifier 'many'.

4

Wait for a sale before buying from your wishlist.

Espera a una oferta antes de comprar de tu lista de deseos.

Preposition 'from'.

5

My travel wishlist includes Japan.

Mi lista de deseos de viaje incluye Japón.

Verb 'includes'.

6

Do you use a wishlist when you shop?

¿Usas una lista de deseos cuando compras?

Present simple question.

7

I removed the old phone from my wishlist.

Eliminé el teléfono viejo de mi lista de deseos.

Verb 'removed'.

8

It is a good idea to have a wishlist.

Es una buena idea tener una lista de deseos.

Infinitve phrase.

1

The new camera is at the top of my wishlist.

La nueva cámara está al principio de mi lista de deseos.

Idiomatic 'at the top of'.

2

I use my wishlist to track price changes.

Uso mi lista de deseos para seguir los cambios de precio.

Infinitive of purpose.

3

The developers asked for a wishlist of new features.

Los desarrolladores pidieron una lista de deseos de nuevas funciones.

Noun + of + noun.

4

Sharing your wishlist makes gift-giving easier.

Compartir tu lista de deseos hace que dar regalos sea más fácil.

Gerund as subject.

5

I have a wishlist for my dream house.

Tengo una lista de deseos para la casa de mis sueños.

Preposition 'for'.

6

Don't forget to wishlist the game on Steam.

No olvides poner el juego en tu lista de deseos en Steam.

Verb use of wishlist.

7

My wishlist is mostly full of books I want to read.

Mi lista de deseos está mayormente llena de libros que quiero leer.

Adverb 'mostly'.

8

She curated her wishlist carefully.

Ella organizó su lista de deseos con cuidado.

Verb 'curated'.

1

The government's wishlist for the new treaty is quite ambitious.

La lista de deseos del gobierno para el nuevo tratado es bastante ambiciosa.

Metaphorical use.

2

A wishlist can help prevent impulsive purchases.

Una lista de deseos puede ayudar a prevenir compras impulsivas.

Modal 'can' for possibility.

3

They compared their wishlists to see if they had common interests.

Compararon sus listas de deseos para ver si tenían intereses comunes.

Plural 'wishlists'.

4

The client provided a comprehensive wishlist of requirements.

El cliente proporcionó una lista de deseos exhaustiva de requisitos.

Adjective 'comprehensive'.

5

I've been refining my wishlist for months.

He estado perfeccionando mi lista de deseos durante meses.

Present perfect continuous.

6

Her wishlist reflects her evolving tastes in art.

Su lista de deseos refleja sus gustos evolutivos en el arte.

Subject-verb agreement.

7

The app allows you to categorize items in your wishlist.

La aplicación te permite categorizar artículos en tu lista de deseos.

Verb 'categorize'.

8

Having a public wishlist can be a bit embarrassing.

Tener una lista de deseos pública puede ser un poco vergonzoso.

Gerund phrase.

1

The project's success depends on fulfilling the core wishlist of the stakeholders.

El éxito del proyecto depende de cumplir con la lista de deseos principal de los interesados.

Gerund 'fulfilling'.

2

The marketing team analyzed customer wishlists to predict next season's trends.

El equipo de marketing analizó las listas de deseos de los clientes para predecir las tendencias de la próxima temporada.

Past simple.

3

His political platform was criticized for being a mere wishlist of unfunded promises.

Su plataforma política fue criticada por ser una mera lista de deseos de promesas sin financiación.

Passive voice.

4

We need to distinguish between 'must-haves' and 'wishlist items'.

Necesitamos distinguir entre 'imprescindibles' y 'artículos de la lista de deseos'.

Distinguish between X and Y.

5

The wishlist feature has become an essential tool for e-commerce conversion.

La función de lista de deseos se ha convertido en una herramienta esencial para la conversión en el comercio electrónico.

Present perfect.

6

She viewed her wishlist as a manifestation of her future self.

Ella veía su lista de deseos como una manifestación de su yo futuro.

Prepositional phrase 'as a manifestation of'.

7

The architect struggled to reconcile the client's wishlist with the actual budget.

El arquitecto luchó por conciliar la lista de deseos del cliente con el presupuesto real.

Infinitive 'to reconcile'.

8

The company's acquisition wishlist includes several high-profile startups.

La lista de deseos de adquisición de la empresa incluye varias startups de alto perfil.

Compound noun 'acquisition wishlist'.

1

The treaty negotiations stalled when one party presented an exhaustive wishlist of concessions.

Las negociaciones del tratado se estancaron cuando una de las partes presentó una lista exhaustiva de concesiones.

Complex sentence structure.

2

In the realm of urban planning, the 'green city' concept often remains a utopian wishlist.

En el ámbito del urbanismo, el concepto de 'ciudad verde' a menudo sigue siendo una lista de deseos utópica.

Abstract metaphorical use.

3

The digital wishlist serves as a psychological buffer against the immediacy of consumer culture.

La lista de deseos digital sirve como un amortiguador psicológico contra la inmediatez de la cultura de consumo.

Complex noun phrases.

4

Critics argue that the new environmental law is little more than a corporate wishlist.

Los críticos argumentan que la nueva ley ambiental es poco más que una lista de deseos corporativa.

Idiomatic 'little more than'.

5

The director's wishlist for the film's cast was legendary for its audacity.

La lista de deseos del director para el reparto de la película era legendaria por su audacia.

Possessive + wishlist.

6

We must prioritize these tasks, as the current plan is currently just a disorganized wishlist.

Debemos priorizar estas tareas, ya que el plan actual es solo una lista de deseos desorganizada.

Conjunction 'as' for reason.

7

The software's development roadmap was essentially a prioritized wishlist of user feedback.

La hoja de ruta de desarrollo del software era esencialmente una lista de deseos priorizada de los comentarios de los usuarios.

Adverb 'essentially'.

8

To call it a strategy would be generous; it's a wishlist of desired outcomes without a method.

Llamarlo estrategia sería generoso; es una lista de deseos de resultados deseados sin un método.

Subjunctive/Conditional tone.

Sinónimos

want list dream list registry preferences shopping list

Colocaciones comunes

add to wishlist
holiday wishlist
public wishlist
wishlist item
clear your wishlist
manage wishlist
ultimate wishlist
wishlist feature
birthday wishlist
shareable wishlist

Frases Comunes

at the top of my wishlist

— The item I want most of all.

A new laptop is at the top of my wishlist.

on my wishlist

— Something I desire but don't have yet.

That trip to Italy has been on my wishlist for years.

wishlist of features

— A list of desired improvements for a product.

The users sent a wishlist of features to the software company.

personal wishlist

— A private list of goals or items.

I keep a personal wishlist in my notebook.

digital wishlist

— A wishlist kept on a website or app.

My digital wishlist is getting out of control.

fulfilled wishlist

— When the items on a list have been acquired.

It was a fulfilled wishlist after the successful fundraiser.

unrealistic wishlist

— A list of things that are unlikely to happen.

The boss has an unrealistic wishlist for this project.

shopping wishlist

— A list specifically for consumer goods.

I checked my shopping wishlist during the Black Friday sale.

gift wishlist

— A list made for others to use when buying gifts.

The kids made a gift wishlist for their grandparents.

priority wishlist

— A list where items are ranked by importance.

We need to create a priority wishlist for the renovations.

Se confunde a menudo con

wishlist vs Shopping Cart

The cart is for buying now; the wishlist is for buying later.

wishlist vs Bucket List

Bucket lists are for life experiences; wishlists are often for material goods.

wishlist vs Registry

A registry is a public list for a specific event like a wedding.

Modismos y expresiones

"wishlist thinking"

— Similar to 'wishful thinking'; focusing on what you want rather than reality.

Expecting a promotion without working hard is just wishlist thinking.

informal
"pie in the sky"

— Something that is pleasant to contemplate but very unlikely to be realized.

His plan for a moon base is just pie in the sky.

informal
"the sky's the limit"

— There is no limit to what can be on a wishlist.

When dreaming of your future, the sky's the limit.

neutral
"dream on"

— Used to tell someone that what they want is unrealistic.

You want a Ferrari for your 16th birthday? Dream on!

informal
"in your dreams"

— Something that will only happen in a dream, not reality.

Winning the lottery? In your dreams!

informal
"to top it off"

— To add something even better to an already good list.

He got the job, and to top it off, they gave him a car.

neutral
"on the cards"

— Something that is likely to happen (and might be on a wishlist).

A promotion is on the cards for her this year.

neutral
"just what the doctor ordered"

— Exactly what was wanted or needed.

This vacation was just what the doctor ordered.

informal
"be careful what you wish for"

— A warning that getting what is on your wishlist might have bad consequences.

He wanted fame, but now he has no privacy. Be careful what you wish for.

neutral
"your wish is my command"

— A humorous way of saying I will do whatever you want.

You want coffee? Your wish is my command.

informal

Fácil de confundir

wishlist vs List

Too general.

A wishlist is specifically for things you *want*, not just any items.

I have a grocery list, but a new car is on my wishlist.

wishlist vs Checklist

Both are lists.

A checklist is for tasks to complete; a wishlist is for things to acquire.

I finished my checklist, but I still have items on my wishlist.

wishlist vs Inventory

Both involve items.

Inventory is what you *have*; wishlist is what you *want*.

The store's inventory is low, so I added the item to my wishlist.

wishlist vs Catalog

Both show products.

A catalog is a list of everything for sale; a wishlist is your personal selection.

I looked through the catalog and made a wishlist.

wishlist vs Agenda

Both are lists of things.

An agenda is a list of things to discuss or do in a meeting.

The meeting agenda didn't include my wishlist of office upgrades.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

I have a [adjective] wishlist.

I have a big wishlist.

A2

I added [item] to my wishlist.

I added the book to my wishlist.

B1

[Item] is at the top of my wishlist.

A new bike is at the top of my wishlist.

B2

My wishlist for [event] includes [items].

My wishlist for the wedding includes a toaster.

C1

To fulfill the [noun] wishlist, we need [resource].

To fulfill the client's wishlist, we need more time.

C2

The [noun] is little more than a [adjective] wishlist.

The proposal is little more than a utopian wishlist.

All

What's on your wishlist?

What's on your wishlist?

All

Check out my wishlist.

Check out my wishlist.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

wish
wisher
wishlist

Verbos

wish
wishlist (informal)

Adjetivos

wishful
wished-for

Relacionado

desire
aspiration
registry
inventory
catalog

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in digital contexts; high in daily life.

Errores comunes
  • I put it in my wishlist. I put it on my wishlist.

    We use the preposition 'on' for lists.

  • My wishlist are full. My wishlist is full.

    Wishlist is a singular noun.

  • I wishlisted to buy a car. I added a car to my wishlist.

    Wishlist is primarily a noun; using it as a verb with an infinitive is incorrect.

  • This is my bucket list for my birthday. This is my wishlist for my birthday.

    Bucket lists are for life goals, wishlists are for gifts/items.

  • I need to checkout my wishlist. I need to move items from my wishlist to my cart to checkout.

    You cannot 'checkout' a wishlist directly.

Consejos

Price Tracking

Use your wishlist to track price drops. Many sites will email you when a wishlist item goes on sale.

The 30-Day Rule

Put expensive items on a wishlist for 30 days before buying. If you still want it after a month, it's a good purchase.

Gift Giving

Always check if a friend has a public wishlist before buying them a gift to ensure they get something they actually want.

Categorize

If you have many items, create separate wishlists for different categories like 'Books', 'Tech', and 'Home'.

Manage Expectations

In meetings, clearly label 'wishlist' items so people know they are not guaranteed to be in the final product.

Support Devs

Wishlisting indie games on Steam is one of the best free ways to help small developers succeed.

Check Settings

Periodically check your wishlist privacy settings to make sure you aren't sharing personal information publicly.

Budgeting

Use a wishlist as a 'future budget' tool to plan your spending for the next few months.

Gratitude

When you fulfill a wishlist item, take a moment to appreciate it rather than immediately looking for the next thing.

Practice

Try to describe your wishlist in English to practice using descriptive adjectives and verbs of desire.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

WISH for it, LIST it. WISH-LIST. If you want it but can't have it yet, put it on the list.

Asociación visual

Imagine a long scroll of paper with a magic wand drawing stars next to items you want.

Word Web

Shopping Gifts Desire Birthday Amazon Steam Future Goals

Desafío

Write down five things on your 'English learning wishlist' (e.g., 'speak fluently', 'read a novel').

Origen de la palabra

A compound word formed from 'wish' (Old English 'wyscan') and 'list' (Old French 'liste', meaning a border or strip). The modern compound 'wishlist' gained popularity in the mid-20th century.

Significado original: A list of things one wishes for.

Germanic (wish) and Romance (list).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when discussing wishlists with people from cultures where gift-giving is meant to be a surprise or where asking for things is considered greedy.

Very common in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, especially for weddings and holidays.

Amazon Wishlist (the most famous digital version) Steam Wishlist (crucial for gamers) Schindler's List (a very different kind of list, but a famous cultural touchstone for 'lists')

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Online Shopping

  • Add to wishlist
  • Save for later
  • Price drop alert
  • Share my list

Birthdays/Holidays

  • What's on your list?
  • Gift ideas
  • Send me the link
  • I got you something from your list

Business/Projects

  • Feature wishlist
  • Project requirements
  • Ideal outcomes
  • Nice-to-have features

Travel Planning

  • Travel wishlist
  • Dream destinations
  • Places to visit
  • Must-see spots

Personal Goals

  • Life wishlist
  • Career goals
  • Self-improvement list
  • Aspirational targets

Inicios de conversación

"What is the most expensive thing currently on your wishlist?"

"Do you prefer to use a wishlist or just buy things immediately?"

"If you could fulfill one item on your wishlist today, what would it be?"

"Do you share your wishlist with your family for the holidays?"

"What's on your 'travel wishlist' for the next five years?"

Temas para diario

Write about three items on your wishlist and explain why you want them so much.

Reflect on a time you bought something from your wishlist. Was it as good as you expected?

Create a 'skills wishlist' for your English learning. What do you want to achieve?

How has the digital wishlist changed the way we think about shopping?

Imagine you have an unlimited budget. What would your 'ultimate wishlist' look like?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

In modern digital usage, it is almost always written as one word: 'wishlist'. However, 'wish list' (two words) is also grammatically correct.

Yes, most websites allow you to make your wishlist public and share a link with friends or family.

A shopping cart is for items you are about to buy. A wishlist is for items you are interested in but want to save for later.

Wishlisting a game on platforms like Steam helps the game's visibility and tells the platform that people are interested, which helps the developer.

Yes, you can have a wishlist for experiences, goals, or even personality traits you want to develop.

Technically it is a noun, but in tech and gaming, it is very commonly used as a verb (e.g., 'Please wishlist our game').

Look for the 'Add to List' button under the 'Add to Cart' button on any product page.

Usually, they are private by default, but you can change the settings to make them public or shared.

No, adding an item to a wishlist does not hold the item or guarantee it will stay in stock.

It is a list of gifts you would like to receive during holidays like Christmas or Hanukkah.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a short paragraph about three things on your current wishlist.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Explain the difference between a wishlist and a shopping cart in your own words.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Create a 'wishlist of features' for your dream smartphone.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a formal email to a project manager with a wishlist of requirements for a new project.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Discuss the psychological effects of having a digital wishlist on consumer behavior.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a dialogue between two friends discussing their Christmas wishlists.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe your 'travel wishlist' for the next five years.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

How can a wishlist help someone manage their budget? Write 5 tips.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Compare and contrast a 'wishlist' and a 'bucket list'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a product review for an app that helps people manage their wishlists.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Imagine you are a developer. Write a post asking users for their feature wishlist.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a story about a child whose entire wishlist came true.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Discuss the ethics of companies using customer wishlist data for targeted ads.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

List five items on your 'career wishlist' and how you plan to achieve them.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a short social media post sharing your birthday wishlist link.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Explain why 'wishlisting' a game is important for independent developers.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a poem about a 'wishlist of dreams'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe the most unusual thing you have ever put on a wishlist.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a set of instructions on how to create a wishlist on a shopping website.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Analyze the phrase 'be careful what you wish for' in the context of a wishlist.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Tell a partner about one thing on your wishlist and why you want it.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Discuss with a group: Do wishlists make people more or less happy?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain the concept of a 'wishlist' to someone who has never heard of it.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Roleplay: You are a customer asking a shop assistant if they have a wishlist feature.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Debate: Is it better to have a public or private wishlist?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Give a short presentation on your 'career wishlist' for the next 10 years.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe your dream vacation wishlist in detail.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

How do you feel when you finally get something from your wishlist? Describe the feeling.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Discuss the pros and cons of using wishlists for children's birthdays.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain how wishlists are used in professional project management.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

What is at the 'top of your wishlist' right now? Why?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Talk about a time you removed something from your wishlist without buying it. Why did you change your mind?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

How has online shopping changed the way we use wishlists? Discuss.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

If you were a billionaire, what would be on your 'unrealistic wishlist'?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe the 'perfect' wishlist app. What features would it have?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Do you think wishlists encourage consumerism? Why or why not?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Practice saying 'wishlist' ten times, focusing on the 'sh' and 'l' sounds.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Tell a story about a 'wishlist' that went wrong.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Discuss the difference between a 'need' and a 'wishlist item'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Summarize the cultural importance of wishlists in your country.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a person describing their birthday. What did they mention about their wishlist?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a tech review. Which item did the reviewer say was on their wishlist for a year?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a business meeting. What did the manager say about the 'feature wishlist'?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a podcast about shopping. How does the speaker use wishlists to save money?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a child talking to Santa. How many things are on their wishlist?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a developer's devlog. Why are they asking people to wishlist their game?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a conversation about a wedding. Where is the couple's wishlist located?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a news report about a government plan. Why was it called a 'wishlist'?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a person clearing their wishlist. Why are they doing it?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to an ad for a shopping app. What is the main wishlist feature they mention?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a student talking about their 'English wishlist'. What is their top goal?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a discussion about 'wishlist thinking'. What is the speaker's main criticism?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a person removing an item from their wishlist. Why?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a travel agent. What is the most common destination on people's wishlists this year?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to a friend's advice. What should you do before buying from your wishlist?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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