quiero ropa cómoda
/kjeɾo ɾopa komoda/from spelling rules
The phrase "I want comfortable clothes" in Spanish is quiero ropa cómoda.
This phrase is used when a person expresses a desire for clothing that is easy to wear and feels relaxed on the body.
Which one should you use?
While English uses the plural "clothes", Spanish uses the singular mass noun ropa to refer to clothing in general.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you might say Quiero ropa cómoda, por favor. to mean "I want comfortable clothes, please." In Argentina, one might use Quisiera ropa cómoda, por favor. to mean "I would like comfortable clothes, please."
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb quiero is the first-person singular present indicative form of querer. Because ropa (clothing) is a singular mass noun in Spanish, the adjective cómoda must also be in the singular feminine form to match it.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word ropa is a distant relative of the English word 'robe'. Both trace their origins back to ancient Germanic roots meaning 'to plunder' or 'to tear off'.
- The adjective cómoda has a double life as a noun meaning 'a chest of drawers'. While you are asking for 'comfortable' clothes, you are using the same word for a piece of bedroom furniture.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using the direct verb quiero to ask for clothes in a shop can make you sound like you are giving a command rather than making a request. Using quisiera instead makes the interaction much more polite.
Examples in context
- Quiero ropa cómoda para el verano.I want comfortable clothes for the summer.
- Me gustaría encontrar prendas cómodas para practicar deporte.I would like to find comfortable garments for sports.
- Estoy buscando ropa confortable para relajarme los fines de semana.I am looking for comfortable clothes to relax during the weekends.
- Para viajar, quiero ropa cómoda.To travel, I want comfortable clothes.
- No quiero tacones, quiero ropa cómoda.I don't want heels, I want comfortable clothes.
- Hoy quiero ropa cómoda para estar en casa.Today I want comfortable clothes to be at home.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are shopping for a casual weekend trip.
- Mateo¿Qué prefieres comprar para el viaje?What do you prefer to buy for the trip?
- ElenaNo quiero vestidos elegantes, quiero ropa cómoda.I don't want elegant dresses, I want comfortable clothes.
- MateoYo también, busquemos unos pantalones de algodón.Me too, let's look for some cotton pants.
- ElenaEsa es una buena idea, Mateo.That is a good idea, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ropa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
