quisiera
/kee-see-EH-rah/
I would like
Use 'quisiera' (I would like) to make a polite request, such as ordering a coffee.
quisiera(Verb)
I would like
?polite request
I would want
?expressing a desire politely
📝 In Action
Quisiera un café con leche, por favor.
A2I would like a coffee with milk, please.
Quisiera hacer una reserva para dos personas.
A2I would like to make a reservation for two people.
Disculpe, quisiera saber dónde está la estación de metro.
B1Excuse me, I would like to know where the subway station is.
💡 Grammar Points
The Politest Way to Ask
'Quisiera' is a super polite way to say 'I want'. Think of it as a softer, more formal version of 'quiero' (I want) and a common alternative to 'me gustaría' (I would like).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Not the Same as 'Quería'
Mistake: "When ordering coffee: 'Quería un café.'"
Correction: Use 'Quisiera un café' instead. 'Quería' means 'I wanted' (in the past), which can sound strange. 'Quisiera' means 'I would like' (a polite request right now).
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To in Restaurants and Shops
Use 'quisiera' anytime you need to ask for something in a service situation. It's perfect for ordering food, asking for the bill, or requesting information. It always sounds respectful.
In more formal contexts, 'quisiera' can express an unlikely wish or desire, meaning 'I wish' or 'I would want'.
quisiera(Verb)
I wish
?expressing a desire that is unlikely or impossible
I would want
?in a hypothetical or imaginary situation
📝 In Action
Quisiera ser astronauta, pero es solo un sueño.
B2I wish I were an astronaut, but it's just a dream.
Si tuviera más tiempo, quisiera aprender a tocar la guitarra.
B2If I had more time, I would want to learn to play the guitar.
¡Quién quisiera estar en la playa ahora mismo!
C1I wish I were on the beach right now! (Literally: Who would want to be...)
💡 Grammar Points
Expressing 'If Only...'
You can use 'quisiera' to talk about dreams or things you'd do in an imaginary situation. It's often used in sentences that start with 'si' (if) to set up the imaginary scenario.
❌ Common Pitfalls
The Right Partner for 'Si'
Mistake: "Si tendría dinero, quisiera comprar un coche."
Correction: Si tuviera dinero, quisiera comprar un coche. After 'si' (if) when talking about hypotheticals, you need a special verb form like 'tuviera' (imperfect subjunctive), not 'tendría' (conditional).
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounding Poetic
This use of 'quisiera' can sound more literary or emotional. It's great for expressing deep wishes or daydreams, adding a touch of feeling to your words.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: quisiera
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'quisiera' to make a polite request in a shop?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'quisiera', 'querría', and 'me gustaría'?
They all mean 'I would like' and are very polite ways to make a request. 'Quisiera' is extremely common and often considered the most polite, especially in service contexts. 'Me gustaría' is also very common and friendly. 'Querría' is grammatically correct but is used less often in everyday speech in many regions.
Can I just say 'quiero' instead of 'quisiera'?
You can, but 'quiero' ('I want') can sound very direct or even demanding, especially when talking to a stranger. Using 'quisiera' is a simple way to sound much more polite and respectful.
Is 'quisiera' always 'I'? Can it mean 'he' or 'she'?
Yes! 'Quisiera' can mean 'I would like' or 'he/she/you (formal) would like'. You can tell from the context. For example, 'El señor quisiera un café' means 'The gentleman would like a coffee.'