eu gostaria
/ˈew ɡos.taˈɾi.ɐ/word by word
In Portuguese, "I would like" is expressed as eu gostaria.
The phrase is used as a polite way to express a wish or to make a request.
What does it mean word for word?
The word gostaria is the conditional form of the verb gostar, which is used to express hypothetical desires or to convey politeness.
Which one should you use?
While eu gostaria is a polite way to express a wish, the phrase eu quero is a more direct and blunt way to say "I want".
How does it change in a sentence?
When eu gostaria is followed by a verb, it must be followed by the preposition de.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈew ɡos.taˈɾi.ɐ/. The word has 4 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In many Portuguese-speaking regions, instead of saying eu gostaria, people often use the verb 'querer' in the imperfect past tense, eu queria, to achieve the exact same polite effect.
- The word gostar is a cognitive relative of the English word 'gusto', both stemming from the idea of taste and preference.
- While eu gostaria is polite, using it to order food in a very casual setting like a beach kiosk might actually sound slightly too formal or 'stiff'.
Examples in context
- Eu gostaria de peixe.I would like some fish.This sentence shows how to use eu gostaria with a noun.Tatoeba #1590395 by alexmarcelo, translation #481631 by CK
- Eu gostaria de vê-lo.I would like to see it.This sentence shows how to use eu gostaria with an object pronoun.Tatoeba #2602843 by carlosalberto, translation #41846 by CK
- Eu gostaria de almoçar.I would like to have lunch.This sentence shows how to use eu gostaria before a verb.Tatoeba #6966705 by Ricardo14, translation #2142639 by ephirein
- Eu gostaria de pedir uma xícara de café.I would like to order a cup of coffee.
- Eu queria comer uma pizza agora.I would like to eat pizza right now.
- 102 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a cafe, Gabriel is ordering from Juliana, the waitress.
- GabrielEu gostaria de um suco de laranja.I would like an orange juice.
- JulianaCom certeza, Gabriel. Algo mais?Certainly, Gabriel. Anything else?
- GabrielNão, apenas isso, obrigado.No, just that, thank you.
- JulianaTudo bem, eu trago agora para você.All right, I will bring it to you now.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (eu, gostaria) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
