Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Yearning in Spanish
Anhelo · noun · ahn-EH-loh
The Spanish word for yearning is 'anhelo,' conveying a deep, persistent desire for something. The synonym 'añoranza' adds a nostalgic dimension, often used when longing for a place, time, or person from the past.
Pronounce 'anhelo' as ahn-EH-loh, with the stress on the second syllable. The 'h' is silent.
Siente un profundo anhelo de volver a su país.
She feels a deep yearning to return to her country.
yearning in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for yearning, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| anhelo | yearning | ahn-EH-loh | Default, widely understood |
| añoranza | yearning | nostalgic longing | |
| ansia | yearning | intense craving or yearning |
How Native Speakers Use Anhelo
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Missing home
La añoranza por su tierra natal no desaparece.
The yearning for her homeland doesn't go away.
An immigrant's emotional experience.
Pursuing a dream
Su anhelo de ser músico lo motivó a practicar cada día.
His yearning to be a musician motivated him to practice every day.
Driven by a strong aspiration.
Romantic longing
Escribió poemas llenos de anhelo y tristeza.
He wrote poems full of yearning and sadness.
Describing emotional poetry.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Anhelo
Confusing 'anhelo' with 'ángel'
Incorrect: Tiene un gran ángel de triunfar.
Correct: Tiene un gran anhelo de triunfar.
'Ángel' means angel, while 'anhelo' means yearning. Despite sounding slightly similar, they have completely different meanings.
Using 'yearning' as a Spanish word
Incorrect: Siento un gran yearning por mi familia.
Correct: Siento un gran anhelo por mi familia.
English words like 'yearning' have no place in Spanish sentences. Use 'anhelo' or 'añoranza' instead.
Lock in yearning Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Anhelo used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using anhelo in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Siente un profundo anhelo de volver a su país. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About yearning in Spanish
- What is the difference between 'anhelo' and 'añoranza'?
- While both express deep longing, 'anhelo' focuses on desire for something in the future (a goal, a dream), while 'añoranza' is more nostalgic, longing for something from the past (a place, a time, a person).
- How do you use 'anhelar' as a verb?
- The verb 'anhelar' means to yearn for and is followed by a noun or infinitive: 'anhelo libertad' (I yearn for freedom) or 'anhelo viajar' (I yearn to travel).
- Is 'anhelo' used in everyday conversation?
- The word 'anhelo' is more common in literary, poetic, or emotionally charged contexts — in casual conversation, Spanish speakers are more likely to say 'extraño' (I miss) or 'deseo' (I wish for).