The imperfect that softens
In shops, bars and offices in Spain you very often hear quería where you might expect quiero. It is not about the past: the imperfect takes the edge off a request, like English I'd like or I was wondering.
| Good morning, I'd like a kilo of tomatoes. | Buenos días, quería un kilo de tomates. |
| I'd like a room for two nights. | Quería una habitación para dos noches. |
Quería + infinitive
Add an infinitive to ask to do something: a question, a favor, a booking.
| I wanted to ask you something. (formal) | Quería preguntarle una cosa. |
| Excuse me, I'd like to speak to the director. | Perdone, quería hablar con el director. |
Why you have come: venía a…
At a counter or a front door, venía a + infinitive says what brings you there: I've come to…
| I've come to see the flat. | Venía a ver el piso. |
| I've come to return this shirt. | Venía a devolver esta camisa. |
Behind the counter
Shop assistants soften desear (to wish) the same way, in the usted form: ¿Qué deseaba? is What would you like?
| Good morning, what would you like? | Buenos días, ¿qué deseaba? |
How polite?
| form | tone |
|---|---|
| quiero | direct; fine with people you know |
| quería | polite, the everyday choice in shops and offices |
| querría / quisiera | more formal |
| I would like to speak with you for a moment. | Querría hablar con usted un momento. |
Context tells you which quería you hear: Quería ir, pero no pude is a real past.
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