How to say it
How do you say “I feel like…” in Spanish?
Learn how to express I feel like doing something in Spanish with tener ganas de and apetecer.
For “I feel like doing something”, Spanish often uses “Tengo ganas de…” or “Me apetece…”.
Useful Spanish options
Choose the expression according to tone, relationship and situation. The Listen button reads only the Spanish phrase.
| Spanish expression | English meaning | When to use it | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tengo ganas de comer | I feel like eating | Neutral and common | Tengo ganas de comer algo dulce. |
| Tengo ganas de salir | I feel like going out | Desire or mood | Tengo ganas de salir esta noche. |
| Me apetece un café | I feel like a coffee | Very common in Spain | Me apetece un café ahora. |
| Me dan ganas de reír | It makes me want to laugh | Reaction to something | Me dan ganas de reír. |
| No tengo ganas | I don’t feel like it | Simple negative | Hoy no tengo ganas. |
| ¿Te apetece? | Do you feel like it? | Invitation, common in Spain | ¿Te apetece caminar? |
How to use it naturally
This phrase “I feel like…” in Spanish? is best learned as a short chunk. Spanish often uses a different structure from English, so avoid translating word by word.
Audio available: tap “Listen” next to a Spanish expression to hear it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Translating “I feel like” as “siento como”Use “tengo ganas de” for desire or mood.
- Forgetting “de” after “ganas”Say “tengo ganas de viajar”, not “tengo ganas viajar”.
Mini practice
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
Is “me apetece” used everywhere?
It is especially common in Spain. In Latin America, “tengo ganas de” is widely understood.
Can “I feel like” mean emotion?
Yes. For emotion, use forms like “me siento cansado”, not “tengo ganas”.