Significado
To want to do or have something but be unable to.
Contexto cultural
In Spain, 'ganas' is a very strong word. To do something 'con ganas' is a high compliment for hard work or enthusiasm. Mexicans often use 'quedarse con el antojo' specifically for food cravings, while 'quedarse con las ganas' is for actions. In Argentina, the phrase is often used with 're' for emphasis: 'Me quedé con re ganas de ir'. The phrase is a polite way to say 'no' to an invitation without sounding rude, as it emphasizes your desire to go.
The 'De' Rule
Always use 'de' before a verb. 'Me quedé con las ganas DE bailar'. Skipping 'de' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Polite Refusal
Use this phrase to decline an invitation. It shows you are disappointed you can't go, which is very polite in Spanish.
Significado
To want to do or have something but be unable to.
The 'De' Rule
Always use 'de' before a verb. 'Me quedé con las ganas DE bailar'. Skipping 'de' is a common mistake for English speakers.
Polite Refusal
Use this phrase to decline an invitation. It shows you are disappointed you can't go, which is very polite in Spanish.
Reflexive Pronouns
Don't forget to change 'me', 'te', 'se' based on who is 'staying' with the desire!
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'quedarse con las ganas'.
Ayer no pude ir al concierto y me ________ de ver a mi banda favorita.
The sentence refers to 'ayer' (yesterday), so we need the preterite first-person singular.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
It requires the reflexive 'te', the preposition 'con', and 'de' before the infinitive.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: The last piece of cake was just sold.
This is the natural response to missing out on something you wanted.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Quieres venir a la montaña? B: Me encantaría, pero tengo que estudiar. Me voy a ________.
B is expressing that they will miss out on the trip.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosAyer no pude ir al concierto y me ________ de ver a mi banda favorita.
The sentence refers to 'ayer' (yesterday), so we need the preterite first-person singular.
Select the correct option:
It requires the reflexive 'te', the preposition 'con', and 'de' before the infinitive.
Situation: The last piece of cake was just sold.
This is the natural response to missing out on something you wanted.
A: ¿Quieres venir a la montaña? B: Me encantaría, pero tengo que estudiar. Me voy a ________.
B is expressing that they will miss out on the trip.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is always 'quedarse' (reflexive) in this idiom. 'Quedar' without the 'se' means to meet up or to remain in a location.
No, it's for things you *didn't* do or *can't* do. If you are doing it, you 'tienes ganas'.
Not at all! It's very common and sounds very natural and friendly.
Yes, but it is quite romantic or even suggestive, implying you wanted to be with someone but couldn't.
'Lo siento' is 'I'm sorry'. 'Me quedé con las ganas' explains *why* you are sorry—because you wanted to do the thing!
In this specific idiom, yes. You always stay with 'las ganas' (plural).
Yes, if you're talking about a project you wanted to finish but couldn't. It shows passion.
Use the negative: 'No me quiero quedar con las ganas'.
No, you only have 'ganas' for things you want. You wouldn't say 'me quedé con las ganas de tener un accidente'.
The preterite ('me quedé') is most common because it usually refers to a specific event that passed.
Frases relacionadas
tener ganas de
similarTo feel like doing something
dar la gana
relatedTo want to (often defiantly)
quedarse con la miel en los labios
synonymTo be left with honey on the lips
quedarse picado
similarTo be left wanting more (often in games or food)
no tener más remedio
contrastTo have no other choice
