Spanish word

gana

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈgana/

Meaning

  • feminine noundesire

Example

No tengo ganas de salir hoy.

I don't have the desire to go out today.

Illustration for gana (desire)

More examples

¿Tienes ganas de tomar un café?

Are you in the mood to have a coffee?

Core concept

An inner push to do or avoid something.

Common phrases

  • tener ganas de

    be in the mood to

  • no tener ganas de

    not be in the mood to

  • estar con ganas de

    be up for

Similar words

deseo: A strong, often lasting wish to have or obtain something.
ánimo: The energy or morale needed to start or sustain an activity.
interés: A feeling of curiosity or attraction toward a subject or activity.
voluntad: A deliberate intention or determination to act based on one's will.

Definition in Spanish

Impulso o interés interno que mueve a una persona a hacer o evitar algo; habitualmente se emplea en plural ('ganas').

Word origin

From the verb ganar 'to win/earn', extended metaphorically so the noun gana names an internal impulse or interest that moves someone toward or away from an action.

Usage tips

  • Used almost always in the plural and commonly paired with tener in the pattern 'tener ganas de + infinitive' to express a mood or inclination rather than a direct request.

Other meanings

  • moodnoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word