verb

apetecer

feel like · feel

Sentir ganas de hacer o tener algo.

Definition & meaning

apetecer is a Spanish verb that primarily expresses the desire, craving, or inclination for something, usually food, drink, or an activity.

To feel like / To have a craving for: It is most commonly used to express that someone feels like having or doing something. It functions similarly to the verb gustar , where the thing desired is the subject and the person experiencing the desire is the indirect object.
- Example: Me apetece un café. (I feel like having a coffee.)
To attract / To entice: In some contexts, it can mean that something is appealing or attractive to someone.
- Example: No me apetece nada salir hoy. (I don't feel like going out at all today.)

Grammar & Word origin

apetecer is an irregular verb. It follows the -ecer conjugation pattern, meaning it adds a "z" before the "c" in the first-person singular present indicative (apetezco) and throughout all forms of the present subjunctive.

Origin: The word comes from the Latin appetere, which is composed of the prefix ad- (to/towards) and the verb petere (to seek, to ask for, to strive for). It is the same root from which the English word "appetite" is derived.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

Deseear : To desire or wish for something.
Antojarse : To have a sudden craving or whim for something.
Gustar : To like or please; often used interchangeably when expressing a preference.
Querer : To want.