quiero una cerveza
/kjeɾo una θeɾbeθa/from spelling rules
In Spanish, quiero una cerveza is the way to say "I want a beer".
This phrase is used to express a desire to drink a beer. In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you say quiero una cerveza in a bar, it is understood that you are ordering one.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of quiero, which means "I want" and una cerveza, which means "a beer".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be more polite and less demanding, you can use the imperfect subjunctive quisiera in the phrase Quisiera una cerveza, por favor. Another formal option is Me gustaría una cerveza, por favor. If you wish to remain informal, you can say Quiero una cerveza, por favor.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the slang word chela is used for cerveza. You might hear the phrase Me echas una chela, por favor?, which means "Could you pour me a beer, please?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The word quiero is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb querer. The phrase uses the feminine indefinite article una because cerveza is a feminine noun.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo una θeɾbeθa/
Did you know?
- If you use the phrase Me echas una chela?, you are literally asking the bartender to 'throw' a beer to you. This is a common, highly informal way to order a drink among friends.
- The verb querer in quiero una cerveza is also used to say 'I love' when referring to people, though it is less intense than amar.
- In Spain, you might not order 'a beer' but instead ask for una caña, which refers specifically to a small glass of beer served at a certain temperature.
Examples in context
- Quiero una cerveza.I want a beer.This example is useful for practicing the basic phrase quiero una cerveza.Tatoeba #2352751 by Shishir, translation #1935359 by Spamster
- Hola, quiero una cerveza, por favor.Hello, I want a beer, please.
- En este momento quiero una cerveza fría.Right now I want a cold beer.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofia are at a bar.
- JavierTengo mucha sed, quiero una cerveza.I am very thirsty, I want a beer.
- SofíaYo también, Javier. Pidamos dos.Me too, Javier. Let's order two.
- JavierPerfecto, voy a llamar al camarero.Perfect, I'm going to call the waiter.
- SofíaGracias, Sofía tiene mucha sed también.Thanks, Sofia is very thirsty too.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
