quisiera
/kisjeɾa/from spelling rules
quisiera is the Spanish way to say "I would like."
quisiera is used as a polite way to express a wish or to make a request for something, translating to "I would like" in English.
Which one should you use?
While quiero is a direct statement of desire meaning "I want," quisiera is much softer and more polite, functioning like "I would like" in English.
How do you pronounce it?
/kisjeɾa/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a related concept called querencia, derived from the same root as quisiera, describing a place where one feels safe and naturally wants to return.
- The verb querer comes from the Latin 'quaerere', which meant 'to seek' or 'to search for'.
- Although quisiera is used to say 'I would like', it is grammatically the imperfect subjunctive form of the verb querer.
Examples in context
- Quisiera un café, por favor.I would like a coffee, please.
- Quisiera dos boletos para la película de las 8, por favorI would like two tickets for the 8 o'clock movie, please
- Quisiera un café con leche, por favor.I would like a coffee with milk, please.
- Quisiera saber más sobre este curso.I would like to know more about this course.
- Quisiera reservar una mesa para dos personas.I would like to reserve a table for two people.
Example conversation
A customer is ordering food at a small cafe.
- LucíaHola, quisiera una ensalada y agua mineral.Hello, I would like a salad and mineral water.
- DanielClaro, ¿desea algo más para comer?Sure, would you like anything else to eat?
- LucíaNo, eso es todo, gracias.No, that is all, thank you.
- DanielMuy bien, enseguida se lo traigo.Very well, I will bring it to you right away.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
