Θέλω ένα κιλό ρύζι από το σούπερ μάρκετ.

to want

Breakdown of Θέλω ένα κιλό ρύζι από το σούπερ μάρκετ.

• το σούπερ μάρκετ: the supermarket
• ένα: one
• από: from

Questions & Answers about Θέλω ένα κιλό ρύζι από το σούπερ μάρκετ.

Where is the word “I” in the Greek sentence? I only see Θέλω, not a separate word for I.

In Greek, the subject pronoun (like I, you, he) is usually inside the verb ending, so it’s often not written separately.

• Θέλω is the 1st person singular form of the verb θέλω (to want).
• It already means “I want”.
• If you really want to say I, you can add εγώ:
  Εγώ θέλω ένα κιλό ρύζι… – but normally just Θέλω… is enough and more natural.

Why does the sentence use Θέλω and not Θα ήθελα? Is there a politeness difference, like “I want” vs “I would like”?

Yes, there is a nuance, similar to English:

• Θέλω ένα κιλό ρύζι…
  Literally: I want a kilo of rice…
  Neutral, everyday, not necessarily rude, especially if you add παρακαλώ (please).

• Θα ήθελα ένα κιλό ρύζι…
  Literally: I would like a kilo of rice…
  More polite / softer, especially when asking someone in a shop or restaurant.

So at a counter you might say:

• Θα ήθελα ένα κιλό ρύζι, παρακαλώ. – more polite
• Θέλω ένα κιλό ρύζι, παρακαλώ. – also common, especially in casual situations

Why is it ένα and not ένας or μια? How does the gender work here?