quisiera pedir
/kisjeɾa pediɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, the phrase for "I would like to order" is quisiera pedir.
This phrase is used to tell a server or clerk what food or items you want to buy. It is typically used at the beginning of a request to a server to signal that you are ready to place your order. You can also use similar expressions like Me gustaría probar el plato del día, por favor to say "I would like to try the dish of the day, please."
What does it mean word for word?
quisiera is the imperfect subjunctive form of querer (to want), and pedir means "to ask for" or "to order". Together, they mean "I would like to order".
Which one should you use?
While quisiera pedir is a polite way to express a desire, the more direct quiero pedir (I want to order) can sometimes sound blunt or demanding in a restaurant setting. You may also use the synonymous and equally polite alternative me gustaría pedir.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb quisiera is used here in the imperfect subjunctive to express a polite wish or request, which is more indirect and softer than using the present indicative quiero (I want).
How do you pronounce it?
/kisjeɾa pediɾ/
Did you know?
- While pedir means 'to order' in a restaurant, it is also the word used to 'propose' marriage, as in pedir la mano.
- The verb pedir is a close linguistic relative to the English word 'petition'. Both stem from the Latin 'petere', which means to seek or approach something.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to use quisiera to soften a request, as being too direct can be perceived as being 'seco', or dry and impolite.
Examples in context
- Quisiera pedir un sándwich.I would like to order a sandwich.This sentence is useful for practicing how to use quisiera pedir to order food.Tatoeba #504468 by Shishir, translation #479012 by CK
- Quisiera pedir una ensalada.I would like to order a salad.
- Quisiera pedir dos cafés, por favor.I would like to order two coffees, please.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are at a café.
- MateoHola, quisiera pedir un café con leche.Hello, I would like to order a latte.
- Elena¿Algo más para usted, Mateo?Anything else for you, Mateo?
- MateoNo, solo el café, gracias.No, just the coffee, thank you.
- ElenaMuy bien, sale en un momento.Very well, it will be ready in a moment.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pedir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
