Polite requests with quisiera
When asking for something, the present tense quiero (I want) can sound a bit direct. For a highly polite and formal request, use the imperfect subjunctive form of querer.
Quisiera translates to "I would like." It's perfect for asking for services or amenities in formal settings, like a high-end spa or restaurant.
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| yo / él / ella / usted | quisiera |
| tú | quisieras |
| nosotros / nosotras | quisiéramos |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | quisieran |
Let's see some polite requests in action:
| I would like a massage for my back, please. | Quisiera un masaje para la espalda, por favor. |
| We would like two robes and some slippers. | Quisiéramos dos batas y unas zapatillas. |
| She would like the relaxing massage because she is tired. | Ella quisiera el masaje relajante porque está cansada. |
Asking for items vs. actions
Just like quiero, you can use quisiera to ask for a specific item (a noun) or to request to do something (an infinitive verb).
To ask for a physical item or service, place the noun directly after the verb:
| I would like an appointment with the therapist, please. | Quisiera una cita con el terapeuta, por favor. |
| I would like a facial treatment at the spa today. | Hoy quisiera un tratamiento facial en el spa. |
To say you would like to do an action, follow quisiera with an infinitive:
| We would like to book a facial treatment for tomorrow. | Quisiéramos reservar un tratamiento facial para mañana. |
| I would like to enter the sauna before the massage. | Quisiera entrar al sauna antes del masaje. |
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