quiero una copa
/kjeɾo una kopa/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I want a drink" is translated into Spanish as quiero una copa.
In Spanish, requesting una copa is a common idiomatic way to express that you want an alcoholic drink. While this phrase specifically asks for a serving of alcohol, the term una copa can also refer to the vessel itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I want a glass", where copa refers to the vessel itself.
Which one should you use?
While quiero una copa is used for an alcoholic drink, using una bebida would refer more generally to any liquid or soft drink.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the word trago is commonly used to refer to a drink.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb quiero is the first-person singular present indicative of querer (to want).
Did you know?
- The word copa is also used in Spanish to describe the crown or canopy of a tree. This creates a visual link between the shape of a wine glass and the top of a tree.
- In several Latin American countries, if you ask for una copa in a restaurant, you might be misunderstood as asking for a trophy, as copa is also the word used for sports trophies and awards.
- While quiero is the direct translation for 'I want', using it with a server in a restaurant can sound demanding. To be more polite, speakers often use the conditional form quisiera to say 'I would like'.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría tomar algo de beber, por favor.I would like to have something to drink, please.
- Quisiera pedir una bebida, por favor.I would like to order a drink, please.
- Quiero tomar algo de beber, por favor.I want to have something to drink, please.
- Me pones algo de beber, por favor?Could you give me something to drink, please?
- Me gustaría tomar una bebida sin alcohol, por favorI would like to have a non-alcoholic drink, please.
- Quisiera pedir un refresco, por favorI would like to order a soft drink, please.
- Disculpe, quisiera pedir una bebida, por favorExcuse me, I would like to order a drink, please.
- Tengo mucha sed, me gustaría tomar algo de beberI am very thirsty, I would like to have something to drink.
- Quiero una copa de vino, por favor.I want a glass of wine, please.
- Ahora mismo quiero una copa de champán.Right now I want a glass of champagne.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are at a hotel bar during a celebration.
- AlejandroElena, quiero una copa para celebrar.Elena, I want a drink to celebrate.
- Elena¿Qué quieres beber, Alejandro?What do you want to drink, Alejandro?
- AlejandroQuiero una copa de cava, por favor.I want a glass of cava, please.
- ElenaPerfecto, yo pediré lo mismo.Perfect, I will order the same.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
