Breakdown of Tengo ganas de viajar a la playa.
viajar
to travel
la playa
the beach
tener ganas de
to feel like (doing something)
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Questions & Answers about Tengo ganas de viajar a la playa.
Why do we use the infinitive viajar instead of the subjunctive?
Because the person who feels the desire is the same person who will do the traveling. When the subject doesn't change, expressions of emotion or desire are followed directly by an infinitive. If you wanted someone else to travel, you would need que plus the subjunctive, like Tengo ganas de que viajes a la playa (I feel like having you travel to the beach).
Is tener ganas de the only way to say 'I feel like'? Can I use sentir?
In this context, you must use tener ganas de. If you translate 'I feel like' literally using the verb sentir (siento como), it sounds like you are physically touching something or making a comparison, not expressing a desire. Tener ganas de is the natural phrase for expressing that you are in the mood to do something.
Why is there a de between ganas and viajar?
The preposition de is a mandatory part of the expression tener ganas de. It connects the noun ganas (desires or urges) to the action you want to perform. Whenever you say you feel like doing an action, it will always be tener ganas de followed by an infinitive.
Why do we say a la playa instead of en la playa?