So, what does it mean?
The most common use of ganas is with the verb tener: “tengo ganas de…”, which in in English can be translated to “want” or “feel like” or to have the “urge” to do something. Below you can find some example sentences:
Want and/or urge:
- Tengo ganas de comer paella.
I want to go and eat paella.
- Tiene ganas de comerme una pizza entera hoy .
I've got the urge to eat a whole pizza today.
You can also use it to describe how excited you are to do something:
- ¿Qué planes tienes este finde?
- Vamos a ver esa película nueva. ¡Qué ganas tengo!
What plans do you have for this weekend?
We are going to see that new film. I can't wait!
As a verb conjugation
Ganas is also the second-person singular form of the verb “ganar”, which means to earn, or win.
- ¿Cuánto ganas?
How much do you earn?
- Si ganas, ¡vamos a ir a celebrarlo!
If you win, we'll go and celebrate!
Pronunciation
Gah-nas
Check out our other word of the day posts
This word of the day has been contributed by LAE Madrid, the leading Spanish academy in Madrid. Accredited by the Insitituto Cervantes, it offers Spanish courses for all levels and also has Spanish classes for kids and families. Read their blog for more Spanish!
