When you want to make a highly polite request, express a wish, or tactfully ask someone to do something, Spanish pairs two specific verb forms: the conditional and the imperfect subjunctive.
Start with a verb of emotion, preference, or influence in the conditional tense. Follow it with the word que, and then conjugate the action you are requesting in the imperfect subjunctive.
| I would like you to put the stamp in the album. | Me gustaría que pusieras la estampilla en el álbum. |
Common Verbs for Polite Requests
To sound especially polite and diplomatic—such as when viewing fragile or valuable items—use these common conditional verbs to introduce your request:
- gustar (to like) -> me gustaría (I would like)
- agradecer (to appreciate) -> agradecería (I would appreciate)
- preferir (to prefer) -> preferiría (I would prefer)
- encantar (to love) -> me encantaría (I would love)
| I would appreciate it if you examined the authenticity, even if it is obvious. | Agradecería que usted examinara la autenticidad, aunque sea obvia. |
| I would prefer that you showed me the album where the stamp had been. | Preferiría que me mostraras el álbum donde había estado la estampilla. |
Asking for Permission
You can also use this structure to politely ask if someone minds an action taking place. The verb molestar (to bother) is frequently used for this in the conditional to ask "would it bother you?"
| Would it bother you if we certified the authenticity tomorrow? | ¿Le molestaría que certificáramos la autenticidad mañana? |
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