Polite requests (quisiera)

Polite Requests with "Quisiera"

When ordering bespoke clothing or speaking to staff in a shop, you will want to sound polite. To soften your request, instead of using the direct quiero (I want), you can use quisiera (I would like).

While quisiera is technically the imperfect subjunctive form of querer (to want), it is commonly used as a standalone polite phrase. Simply follow it with the noun you are asking for.

Good morning, I would like a suit.
Buenos días, quisiera un traje.
I would like a wool jacket, please.
Quisiera una chaqueta de lana, por favor.
I would like shorter sleeves.
Quisiera unas mangas más cortas.

"Quisiera" + Infinitive

If you are requesting to do something rather than asking for a physical object, you can follow quisiera directly with an infinitive verb.

I would like to see the hem.
Quisiera ver el dobladillo.
I would like to try on the suit.
Quisiera probarme el traje.

Talking to the Tailor

When working with a tailor (el sastre) or dressmaker (la modista), you will often need to discuss measurements (las medidas), fabrics like wool (la lana) or silk (la seda), and alterations to the pattern (el patrón).

The tailor always asks for the measurements.
El sastre siempre pide las medidas.
The dressmaker needs to adjust the pattern.
La modista necesita ajustar el patrón.
I have never put on a silk dress.
Nunca me he puesto un vestido de seda.
Practice this lesson