Meaning
To have the desire or inclination to do something.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'ganas' is often used with 'muchas' to show intense excitement for a future event. The phrase '¡Échale ganas!' is a ubiquitous motivational cry meaning 'Give it your all!' or 'Work hard!' Commonly used to express a 'vibe' for a plan. If a plan 'no da ganas,' it means it sounds boring or unappealing.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de'. Without it, the sentence sounds broken to a native speaker.
Don't use with 'Estar'
Even though 'feeling' is a state, Spanish uses 'Tener' (to have) for this expression.
Meaning
To have the desire or inclination to do something.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de'. Without it, the sentence sounds broken to a native speaker.
Don't use with 'Estar'
Even though 'feeling' is a state, Spanish uses 'Tener' (to have) for this expression.
Add 'Muchas'
To say 'I really feel like...', just add 'muchas': 'Tengo muchas ganas de...'
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Tengo ganas ___ bailar.
The phrase is always 'tener ganas de'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'I feel like a pizza'?
You 'have' (tener) the 'ganas de' followed by the noun.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres ir al gimnasio? B: No, no ______ ganas de hacer ejercicio.
The verb 'tener' must be conjugated for 'yo' (tengo).
Match the feeling to the phrase.
You are very tired and see a bed.
Dormir means to sleep, which matches being tired.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesTengo ganas ___ bailar.
The phrase is always 'tener ganas de'.
How do you say 'I feel like a pizza'?
You 'have' (tener) the 'ganas de' followed by the noun.
A: ¿Quieres ir al gimnasio? B: No, no ______ ganas de hacer ejercicio.
The verb 'tener' must be conjugated for 'yo' (tengo).
You are very tired and see a bed.
Dormir means to sleep, which matches being tired.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but be careful. 'Tener ganas de alguien' can imply sexual attraction or a strong desire to see/confront them.
Yes, 'Me apetece' is very common in Spain and is a bit more 'polite' or 'elegant'.
Simply say 'No tengo ganas'. You don't need to repeat the 'de' if the context is clear.
In this specific phrase, yes. You never say 'Tengo gana de'.
Yes: 'Tendré ganas de verte' (I will feel like seeing you), though it's less common than the present.
'Ganas' is more informal and spontaneous; 'deseos' is more formal and profound.
Related Phrases
Quedarse con las ganas
builds onTo miss out on doing something you wanted to do.
Dar ganas de
similarTo make someone feel like doing something.
Echarle ganas
specialized formTo put effort into something.
Antojarse
synonymTo have a sudden craving.
