They're all similar in meaning. "Desear" means "wish". Is similar to "querer" ("want"), but expressing a more intense feeling. When you say "Deseo algo" instead of "Quiero algo" you're saying not only you want something, but you really think you would be happier with that. "Esperar" means something like "hope". You use this when you are expecting something you want to happen. "Tener ganas" and "Apetecer" are very similar. They express your current wish, something you want now, and just for a short period of time. "Tener ganas" is more informal than "Apetecer", but they both carry the same meaning. Here you are some examples: - "I wish I know a very special person to marry" - "Deseo encontrar a una persona muy especial para casarme" - "Quiero comprar esa camisa verde" - "I want to buy that green shirt" - "I hope that he feels better" - "Espero que se sienta mejor" - "I'd like to take an ice cream" - "Me apetece tomar un helado" - "Tengo ganas de tomar un helado"