Quiero un
/kjeɾo un/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I want a" is translated into Spanish as Quiero un.
For more polite interactions, such as ordering in a shop or a restaurant, it is more common to use Quisiera un which means "I would like a".
Which one should you use?
Quiero un is a direct way to state your want, whereas Quisiera un is a more polite and common way to order or request things in a restaurant or shop.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes based on the gender and number of the noun you are requesting. Use Quiero un when the following noun is masculine, such as un libro (a book). To express a feminine noun, use Quiero una. If you want to say "I want some" or "I want a few" for masculine plural nouns, use Quiero unos and for feminine plural nouns, use Quiero unas.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo un/
Did you know?
- While Quiero comes from the verb querer, this same verb is also the primary way to say 'I love' when referring to a partner, family member or close friend.
- If you are in a shop and say Quiero un followed by a noun, you might find that locals prefer to use the verb llevar (to take) to express the intent to buy.
- The word un shares a common ancestor with the English word 'one', both stemming from the Proto-Indo-European root *h₁óynos.
Examples in context
- Quiero una mesa baja.I want a low table.This example shows how to request a low table using Quiero un.Tatoeba #2258825 by cueyayotl, translation #2258824 by _undertoad
- Quiero una taza de té.I want a cup of tea.This example shows how to request a cup of tea using Quiero un.Tatoeba #488842 by Shishir, translation #383287 by ver
- Quiero un nuevo horno.I want a new oven.This example shows how to request a new oven using Quiero un.Tatoeba #721833 by Shishir, translation #258783 by CK
- Quiero un café, por favor.I want a coffee, please.
- Me gustaría una copa de vino.I would like a glass of wine.
- Me gustaría un postre, por favor.I would like a dessert, please.
- Quiero una pizza para la cena.I want a pizza for dinner.
- Quiero un libro interesante.I want an interesting book.
- Quisiera un helado, por favor.I would like an ice cream, please.
- Quisiera una entrada para el cine.I would like a movie ticket.
- Me pone una cerveza, por favor.I want a beer, please.
- Me pone un postre delicioso.I want a delicious dessert.
- 124 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are at a restaurant.
- DanielQuiero un menú, por favor.I want a menu, please.
- MaríaClaro, Daniel. Aquí tienes.Of course, Daniel. Here you go.
- DanielGracias. María, ¿qué vas a pedir?Thanks. María, what are you going to order?
- MaríaYo quiero un jugo de naranja.I want an orange juice.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
