quiero Coca-Cola
/kjeɾo kokakola/from spelling rules
To say "I want coke" in Spanish, use quiero Coca-Cola.
This phrase is used to request a Coca-Cola drink. In Spanish, it is more natural and common to use the full brand name Coca-Cola rather than just saying cola when ordering this specific beverage.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase quiero Coca-Cola is direct. Because using quiero can sound blunt or demanding in a restaurant setting, you may prefer to use Quisiera una Coca-Cola to say "I would like a Coca-Cola", which is a more polite way to express a request.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, it is common to refer to a Coke as una coca.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word quiero is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb querer, which means "to want".
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying quiero Coca as a direct translation of "I want coke". In many Spanish-speaking regions, Coca can be used as slang for cocaine.
Did you know?
- The verb querer is also the Spanish word for 'to love' when used with people, so your tone is very important to avoid sounding like you are declaring a passionate desire.
- The word coca refers to the leaf of the coca plant, which has a long history in South American cultures long before the soft drink existed.
- In Spain, people often order una Coca-Cola and expect it to be served in a glass with a slice of lemon, a custom less common in the Americas.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría un refresco de cola, por favor.I would like a cola soda, please.
- ¿Puede traerme un vaso de Coca-Cola, si es tan amable?Could you bring me a glass of Coca-Cola, please?
- Quiero un refresco de cola, por favor.I want a cola soda, please.
- Si no hay jugo, quiero Coca-Cola.If there is no juice, I want Coca-Cola.
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are ordering drinks at a restaurant.
- DanielSofía, yo quiero Coca-Cola.Sofía, I want a Coke.
- SofíaYo prefiero agua mineral.I prefer sparkling water.
- Daniel¿Quieres hielo en tu bebida?Do you want ice in your drink?
- SofíaSí, por favor.Yes, please.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
