A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I don t want" in Spanish
Politely decline an offer or express a lack of desire in Spanish.
No quiero
noh kee-EH-rohneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone offers you something you don't want, like a second helping of food or a drink. It's also useful for stating you don't want to do something.
Alternatives
- No me apeteceUse when you're not in the mood for something specific.
- No deseoThis is a more formal way to say you don't want something.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing with 'tener'
Don't say 'No tengo querer'; 'querer' is a verb and conjugates directly.
Pronunciation of 'qu'
The 'qu' in 'quiero' sounds like 'k', not 'kw'.
A small cultural note
While 'No quiero' is direct, adding 'por favor' (please) or a softer tone can make it even more polite in many contexts.
Frequently asked
how to say i don't want to go in spanish
You would say 'No quiero ir'. This directly translates to 'I don't want to go'.
is no quiero rude
It can be perceived as blunt depending on the tone and context. Adding 'por favor' or a phrase like 'No, gracias' often softens it.
what's the difference between no quiero and no me apetece
'No quiero' is a general statement of not wanting something. 'No me apetece' specifically means you're not in the mood for it.
How do you say 'I don't want to go' in Spanish?
To say 'I don't want to go' in Spanish, you would say 'No quiero ir'.
What is 'no te gusta'?
'No te gusta' means 'you don't like it' in Spanish. It expresses dislike rather than a lack of desire.
How do you say 'I don't want to do it' in Spanish?
To say 'I don't want to do it' in Spanish, you would say 'No quiero hacerlo'.
How do you say 'I don't like' in Spanish?
To say 'I don't like' in Spanish, you would say 'No me gusta'.
