What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of quiero (I want), una (a/one) and pizza (pizza).
Which one should you use?
While quiero una pizza expresses a direct desire, quisiera una pizza is the standard polite way to order food.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase Quiero una pizza, por favor. is an informal way to say "I want a pizza, please." For more polite or formal situations, such as ordering in a restaurant, you can use Quisiera una pizza, por favor. or Me gustaría una pizza, por favor. to say "I would like a pizza, please."
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, one can say Quiero una pizza, por favor, ¿me la puedes poner bien picosa? to mean "I want a pizza, please, can you make it very spicy for me?"
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb quiero is the first-person singular present indicative form of querer (to want). Because pizza is a feminine noun in Spanish, you must use the feminine article una in the phrase una pizza.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo una piθθa/
Did you know?
- The verb querer used in quiero does not only mean 'to want' but also 'to love'. Depending on the context, saying te quiero is a common way to tell someone you love them.
- The word pizza originates from the Byzantine Greek word píta, which referred to a type of pie or flat bread.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, the largest size of pizza is called a pizza familiar, which literally means 'family pizza'.
Examples in context
- Quiero una pizza de pepperoni.I want a pepperoni pizza.
- Tengo mucha hambre, quiero una pizza.I am very hungry, I want a pizza.
- Si puedes, quiero una pizza mediana.If you can, I want a medium pizza.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are deciding what to order for dinner.
- Elena¿Qué quieres cenar, Mateo?What do you want to eat for dinner, Mateo?
- MateoNo lo sé, ¿y tú?I don't know, and you?
- ElenaYo quiero una pizza.I want a pizza.
- Mateo¡Perfecto! Vamos a pedir una.Perfect! Let's order one.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pizza, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
