Vostè vol cafè sense llet?

the coffee

Breakdown of Vostè vol cafè sense llet?

• voler: to want
• la llet: the milk
• vostè: you

Questions & Answers about Vostè vol cafè sense llet?

Why does vostè mean you, but the verb is vol and not vols?

In Catalan, vostè is the formal singular you, and it takes third-person singular verb forms.

So:

• tu vols = informal singular you want
• vostè vol = formal singular you want

This is similar to Spanish usted quiere. Even though it refers to the person you are speaking to, grammatically it behaves like he/she.

When should I use vostè instead of tu?

Use vostè when you want to be polite, respectful, or more formal.

Typical situations:

• speaking to a customer
• speaking to an older stranger
• speaking in a formal service situation
• showing distance or politeness

Use tu with:

• friends
• family
• children
• people you know well

So this sentence sounds like something a waiter, cashier, or server might say politely.

Can I leave out vostè and just say Vol cafè sense llet?

Yes. Catalan often drops subject pronouns when they are understood from the verb.

So both are possible:

• Vostè vol cafè sense llet?
• Vol cafè sense llet?

The second version is very natural. Including vostè can add clarity, emphasis, or extra formality.