Questions & Answers about Vostè voldria una sopa menys salada?
What does vostè mean, and when do I use it?
Vostè is the formal singular word for you in Catalan. You use it when speaking politely, respectfully, or in more formal situations, for example with a customer, an older person, or someone you do not know well.
In everyday speech, many speakers also use tu in informal situations.
So this sentence sounds polite because it uses vostè.
Why is the verb voldria in the third person if the sentence means you would like?
That is because vostè takes third-person singular verb forms in Catalan.
So although vostè means you, the grammar works like he/she.
- vostè voldria = formal you would like
- tu voldries = informal you would like
This is similar to Spanish usted quiere / querría, if you know Spanish.
What form is voldria?