Forums > Specific Focus > Learning Spanish

julianm

Apr 24, 2007, 3:23 AM

Post #1 of 4 (4595 views)

Shortcut

Tener ganas de......

Can't Post | Private Reply

Hello Everyone,

I've been using the phrase "tengo ganas de....." for a while now, to express that I have a want/need to do something. But can someone tell me the literal meaning of ganas?

Mil gracias,
Julian

esperanza

Apr 24, 2007, 8:23 AM

Post #2 of 4 (4576 views)

Shortcut

Re: [julianm] Tener ganas de......

Can't Post | Private Reply

Literally, ganas means want or desire.

Tengo ganas de un carro del año.
I want a new car.

Mi marido tiene ganas de ir a Madrid.
My husband wants to go to Madrid.

Generally, ganas is used in the plural. There are some idiomatic constructions, though, in which it is used in the singular.

Hasta ahorita no le ha dado la gana de casarse.
She still doesn't want to get married.

El perro no se mueve del sofá hasta que se le de la santa gana.
The dog doesn't move off the sofa till he's good and ready.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

(This post was edited by esperanza on Apr 24, 2007, 8:26 AM)

julianm

Apr 29, 2007, 5:20 AM

Post #3 of 4 (4513 views)

Shortcut

Re: [esperanza] Tener ganas de......

Can't Post | Private Reply

Gracias Esperanza.

Muy amable!

MazDee

May 7, 2007, 5:18 PM

Post #4 of 4 (4446 views)

Shortcut

Re: [esperanza] Tener ganas de......

Can't Post | Private Reply

OK, I am a beginner, or not much beyond that. So help me. I have always used deseo or quiero to express my wants/needs and now want (however you express that) to know why I should use tengo de ganas! Thanks