Inklingo

How to Say "would like" in Spanish

English → Spanish

gustaría

VerbA2Formal/Polite
Use 'gustaría' (from 'gustar') to express a polite wish, preference, or desire, especially when making a request or stating what you'd ideally want.

Examples

Me gustaría viajar a España algún día.

I would like to travel to Spain someday.

quiere

/KYEH-reh//ˈkje.ɾe/

VerbA1Informal/Neutral
Use 'quiere' (from 'querer') to express a more direct want or desire, often used for simple wishes or needs, and can be less polite than 'gustaría' in some contexts.
A young boy looking longingly at a large scoop of strawberry ice cream in a cone.

Examples

El niño quiere un helado.

The boy wants an ice cream.

El niño quiere un juguete.

The boy wants a toy.

¿Quieres ir al cine conmigo?

Do you want to go to the movies with me?

Ella quiere ser doctora.

She wants to be a doctor.

Using 'querer' with another verb

To say you want to DO something, just add the basic '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form of the second verb right after 'querer'. For example, 'Quiero comer' (I want to eat).

Forgetting the 'e' -> 'ie' change

Mistake:Yo quero un café.

Correction: Say 'Yo quiero un café.' In the present tense, for most persons, the 'e' in 'querer' changes to 'ie'.

Politeness with 'gustaría' vs. 'quiere'

Learners often confuse the politeness levels. While 'quiere' simply means 'wants,' 'gustaría' is the go-to for polite requests, like ordering food or asking for favors. Using 'quiere' in these situations can sound abrupt or demanding.

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