ganas

§ Understanding 'Ganas'

The Spanish word ganas is a noun that translates to 'desire' or 'urge' in English. It's often used to express wanting to do something. Remember, it's always plural.

§ Common Phrases with 'Ganas'

There are a few key phrases you'll use with ganas. The most common is tener ganas de + infinitive verb.

Structure

Subject + tener (conjugated) + ganas + de + infinitive verb

This literally means 'to have desires of doing something', but it effectively translates to 'to feel like doing something' or 'to want to do something'.

Here, 'Tengo' is the conjugated form of tener for 'I'. 'De comer' means 'of eating'. So, 'I have the urge to eat pizza' or more naturally, 'I feel like eating pizza.'

This means 'Do you feel like going to the cinema?' or 'Do you want to go to the cinema?'

They don't feel like studying.

§ Expressing a Stronger Desire

You can intensify the desire by adding adjectives like muchas (many/a lot) or pocas (few/little).

I really want to travel. (Literally: I have many desires of traveling.)

She doesn't really feel like working. (Literally: She has few desires of working.)

§ Using 'Ganas' with Nouns

While ganas is usually followed by de and an infinitive, you can also express a desire for a specific noun. In this case, you'll still use de.

I feel like taking a nap. (Literally: I have desires of a nap.)

§ Other Useful Phrases

• Dar ganas a alguien: To make someone feel like doing something.

  Esta música me da ganas de bailar.

  This music makes me feel like dancing.

• Quedarse con las ganas: To not get to do what one wanted to do; to be left wanting.

  Me quedé con las ganas de ir al concierto.

  I was left wanting to go to the concert (i.e., I didn't get to go).

Mastering ganas will greatly improve your ability to express desires and urges in Spanish. Practice using these structures, and you'll be speaking more naturally in no time!