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A1 verb #500 الأكثر شيوعاً 9 دقيقة للقراءة

Querer

الأكثر شيوعاً #500

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح Querer في 30 ثانية

الشرح Querer in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners use 'querer' to express basic needs and immediate desires. The focus is on the present tense ('eu quero', 'você quer') and simple requests. Learners should be able to use 'querer' followed by a noun (e.g., 'Eu quero água') or an infinitive (e.g., 'Eu quero comer'). The concept of using 'queria' for politeness is introduced here as a fixed phrase for survival situations like ordering food or buying tickets. Understanding that 'quer' is the third-person singular form is a key milestone.

At A2, learners expand into the past tenses. This is where the irregularity of 'querer' becomes a focus, specifically the preterite 'quis'. Learners start to distinguish between 'quis' (a completed action/attempt) and 'queria' (a continuous state or polite request). They also begin to use 'querer' to talk about future plans in a simple way, often combined with time markers like 'amanhã' or 'próximo ano'. The use of 'querer' in basic social invitations becomes more fluid.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

B1 learners begin to use 'querer' with the subjunctive mood. This is a significant jump, as it involves expressing what they want *others* to do ('Quero que tu venhas'). They also become more comfortable with the future subjunctive ('se quiseres') for conditional statements. At this level, the distinction between 'querer' and 'pretender' (to intend) becomes important for professional and academic contexts. Learners start to recognize idiomatic uses like 'sem querer' (unintentionally).

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B2 level, 'querer' is used to express complex nuances of volition and hypothetical situations. Learners use the conditional ('quereria') and the pluperfect subjunctive more naturally. They can discuss abstract desires and social requirements. The verb is used in more sophisticated idiomatic expressions and in debates to express a point of view or a desired outcome in a negotiation. Learners also start to use 'querer' as a noun ('o querer') in more formal or literary contexts.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

C1 learners master the subtle stylistic differences between 'querer' and its more formal synonyms like 'almejar' or 'tencionar'. They can use 'querer' in complex literary structures and understand its use in archaic or highly formal texts. The verb's role in philosophical discussions about 'will' and 'desire' is explored. At this level, the learner uses the full range of 'querer' including its less common compound tenses and uses it to convey precise emotional tones in creative writing.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, the speaker has a native-like command of 'querer'. They can use it to express the finest shades of meaning, including irony, sarcasm, or deep poetic longing. They are familiar with regional variations in its use across the Lusophone world (Portugal, Brazil, Angola, etc.). The speaker can analyze the etymological roots and the historical evolution of the verb's meaning and usage in Portuguese literature from the Middle Ages to the present day.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

Querer في 30 ثانية

Querer is the primary Portuguese verb for 'to want', used for expressing desires, intentions, and needs in both formal and informal everyday situations.
It is highly irregular, especially in the preterite tense (quis) and the present tense third-person singular (quer), requiring careful study for learners.
The verb can be followed by a noun, an infinitive, or a 'que' clause with the subjunctive when the subject wants someone else to act.
Politeness is often conveyed by using the imperfect form 'queria' instead of the present 'quero', making it essential for social interactions like ordering food.

The Portuguese verb querer is one of the most fundamental pillars of the language, primarily translating to the English verb 'to want'. However, its utility extends far beyond simple desire, encompassing intentions, requirements, and even polite requests. At its core, querer expresses a volition or a drive toward an object, an action, or a state of being. Whether you are ordering a coffee in a Lisbon café or expressing your long-term career goals in São Paulo, this verb will be your primary tool.

Direct Desire: This is the most common use, where the subject expresses a wish for a noun. For example, 'Eu quero um gelado' (I want an ice cream). It is direct and clear.
Intentional Action: When followed by another verb in the infinitive, it indicates an intention to perform that action. 'Nós queremos viajar' (We want to travel) shows a planned or desired future activity.
Polite Requests: In Portuguese culture, using the present tense 'quero' can sometimes sound too demanding. To soften the request, speakers often use the imperfect 'queria' (I wanted/would like), which functions similarly to 'I would like' in English.

Eu quero aprender português para falar com a minha família.

Translation: I want to learn Portuguese to talk to my family.

Understanding the nuance between querer and desejar is crucial. While both mean 'to want', desejar is often more formal or carries a stronger, sometimes more emotional or romantic connotation. Querer is the workhorse of everyday life. It is used in shops, at home, and in professional settings to state needs and preferences without the heavy weight of formal longing.

O que é que você quer comer hoje à noite?

Translation: What do you want to eat tonight?

Affection: Interestingly, 'querer bem a alguém' means to care for or love someone in a platonic or deep sense. It shows that the verb isn't just about selfish desire but also about well-wishing.

In summary, querer is the engine of agency in Portuguese. It describes what we seek, what we intend to do, and how we interact with the world of objects and services around us. Mastering its various forms—especially its irregular past tense—is a major milestone for any learner.

Using querer correctly involves understanding its irregular conjugation and its relationship with other verbs. It can be followed directly by a noun, an infinitive verb, or a subordinate clause starting with 'que'. Each structure serves a different communicative purpose.

Querer + Noun: This is the simplest form. Subject + Querer + Object. 'Eles querem ajuda' (They want help). Note that in the present tense, the third person singular is 'quer' (not quere).
Querer + Infinitive: When you want to perform an action yourself. 'Eu quero sair' (I want to leave). The second verb remains in its base form.
Querer que + Subjunctive: This is a more advanced structure used when you want *someone else* to do something. 'Eu quero que tu faças o trabalho' (I want you to do the work). The verb after 'que' must be in the subjunctive mood.

Nós quisemos comprar a casa, mas era muito cara.

Translation: We wanted to buy the house, but it was too expensive. (Note the irregular preterite 'quisemos')

The conjugation of querer is notoriously tricky in the past tense. While many verbs follow a predictable pattern, the preterite of querer changes its stem to 'quis-'. This is a common stumbling block for English speakers who expect 'queri'. Remembering 'Eu quis' (I wanted) and 'Ele quis' (He wanted) is essential for storytelling.

Se você quiser, podemos ir ao cinema amanhã.

Translation: If you want (future subjunctive), we can go to the cinema tomorrow.

The future subjunctive 'quiser' is also extremely common in Portuguese. It is used after conjunctions like 'se' (if) or 'quando' (when) to express a condition that might happen. 'Faz o que quiseres' (Do whatever you want) is a phrase you will hear often in informal conversations.

The word querer is ubiquitous. You cannot spend an hour in a Portuguese-speaking environment without hearing it. Its presence spans from the most mundane commercial transactions to the heights of emotional expression in Fado or Bossa Nova lyrics.

In the Marketplace: Vendors will ask 'O que vai querer?' (What are you going to want?) or 'Deseja mais alguma coisa?' (Do you want anything else?). When you respond, 'Quero este' (I want this one) is your primary way to indicate a choice.
In Social Settings: Friends often use it to negotiate plans. 'Queres ir beber um copo?' (Do you want to go for a drink?). It acts as an invitation. In Brazil, you might hear 'Você quer?' as a simple offer of food or a seat.
In Emotional Contexts: 'Eu quero-te muito' can mean 'I want you very much', often in a romantic or passionate sense. It's a staple in music and soap operas (telenovelas).

Sem querer, acabei por partir o copo.

Translation: Without meaning to (unintentionally), I ended up breaking the glass.

One of the most interesting idiomatic uses you will hear is 'sem querer'. This translates to 'unintentionally' or 'by accident'. It literally means 'without wanting'. If you bump into someone on the Lisbon Metro, you might say 'Desculpe, foi sem querer!' (Sorry, it was unintentional!). This phrase is essential for navigating social mishaps gracefully.

In professional environments, querer is used to define requirements. A manager might say 'Queremos os relatórios até sexta-feira' (We want the reports by Friday). It is direct but standard. In more formal writing, you might see 'pretender' used as a synonym for 'to intend', but in spoken office culture, querer remains the dominant choice for expressing goals and needs.

For English speakers, querer presents several pitfalls, ranging from conjugation errors to subtle semantic shifts. Avoiding these will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise.

The 'Quere' Trap: Many learners assume that since 'comer' becomes 'come', 'querer' should become 'quere'. This is incorrect. The third person singular is simply 'quer'. Saying 'Ele quere' is a very common beginner mistake.
Misusing the Preterite: The preterite 'quis' implies a specific moment of wanting that often translates to 'tried' or 'refused' (if negative). 'Eu quis sair' often means 'I tried to leave'. 'Eu não quis sair' means 'I refused to leave'. If you just want to say you were in a state of wanting, use the imperfect 'queria'.
Omitting 'Que': In English, we say 'I want you to go'. In Portuguese, you *must* say 'Eu quero que tu vás'. You cannot say 'Eu quero você ir'. This structure requires the conjunction 'que' and the subjunctive mood.

Errado: Eu queri um café.
Correto: Eu queria um café.

Explanation: English speakers often try to regularize the past tense. Remember that 'queria' is the polite way to ask for things.

Another common error is confusing querer with gostar. In English, 'I want' and 'I would like' are close. In Portuguese, gostar means 'to like'. If you say 'Eu gosto de um café', you are saying you like coffee in general. If you want a coffee right now, you must use querer (or gostaria, the conditional of gostar, which is also polite).

Finally, learners often forget that querer can be used as a noun in the form of 'o querer' (the will/desire). While rare in A1, as you progress, you'll see it in literature. For now, focus on the 'quer' vs 'quere' and the 'quis' vs 'queria' distinctions to avoid the most frequent errors.

While querer is the most common way to express desire, Portuguese offers a rich palette of synonyms that can add precision and formality to your speech. Choosing the right word depends on the intensity of the desire and the context of the situation.

Desejar (To Desire): More formal and often more intense than 'querer'. It is used in formal letters ('Desejamos-lhe um bom ano') or to express strong emotional longing. It sounds a bit dramatic for ordering a pizza.
Pretender (To Intend): This is a 'false friend' for English speakers. It does NOT mean 'to pretend'. It means 'to intend' or 'to aim for'. Use this in professional contexts: 'Pretendo terminar o projeto amanhã' (I intend to finish the project tomorrow).
Almejar (To Yearn/Crave): A high-level literary word used for grand ambitions. 'Ele almeja a presidência' (He yearns for the presidency). It implies a long-term, significant goal.

Eu gostaria de fazer uma reserva.

Translation: I would like to make a reservation. (Using 'gostaria' is a common alternative to 'queria' for politeness).

When comparing querer to its alternatives, think of a scale of formality and intensity. Querer is at the center. Moving toward formality, you find pretender and desejar. Moving toward poetic intensity, you find ansiar (to long for) or almejar.

In summary, while querer will get you through 90% of situations, knowing when to swap it for pretender in an interview or desejar in a wedding card will significantly elevate your Portuguese proficiency. Always consider the social distance between you and the person you are speaking to.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The English word 'query' and 'quest' share the same Latin root 'quaerere' as the Portuguese 'querer'. So when you 'query' a database, you are etymologically 'wanting' an answer!

دليل النطق

UK /kɨˈɾeɾ/

US /keˈɾeʁ/

The stress is on the last syllable: que-RER.

يتقافى مع

beber comer dizer fazer poder saber trazer ver

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing the 'u' after 'q'. It is silent: 'ke-rer', not 'kwe-rer'.
Over-enunciating the first 'e' in European Portuguese.
Making the final 'r' too hard like an English 'r'.
Confusing the pronunciation of 'quis' (keess) with 'quis' (kwis).
Stress on the first syllable.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 1/5

Very easy to recognize in texts as it appears frequently.

الكتابة 3/5

Irregular past tenses and subjunctive triggers make writing challenging.

التحدث 2/5

The present tense is easy, but remembering 'quer' (not quere) is key.

الاستماع 2/5

Usually clear, but 'quis' and 'queria' can sound similar to beginners.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

Eu Você Ser Estar Ter

تعلّم لاحقاً

Poder Dever Gostar Desejar Pretender

متقدم

Subjunctive Mood Conditional Tense Compound Past Tenses Nominalization of Verbs Modal Verbs

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Irregular Preterite Stem

Eu quis (not queri).

Third Person Singular Present

Ele quer (not quere).

Subjunctive Trigger

Quero que você estude.

Future Subjunctive

Se tu quiseres, eu vou.

Imperfect for Politeness

Eu queria um chá.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

Eu quero um café, por favor.

I want a coffee, please.

Present tense, 1st person singular.

Tu queres ir ao parque?

Do you want to go to the park?

Present tense, 2nd person singular (informal).

Ele quer uma maçã.

He wants an apple.

Present tense, 3rd person singular. Note: 'quer' not 'quere'.

Nós queremos estudar português.

We want to study Portuguese.

Present tense, 1st person plural.

Vocês querem comer agora?

Do you (plural) want to eat now?

Present tense, 2nd person plural (used as 3rd in Brazil/modern PT).

Elas querem viajar no verão.

They (feminine) want to travel in the summer.

Present tense, 3rd person plural.

Eu queria um copo de água.

I would like a glass of water.

Imperfect tense used for politeness.

O que é que você quer?

What do you want?

Standard question structure.

Ontem, eu quis ir ao cinema.

Yesterday, I wanted to go to the cinema.

Preterite tense (irregular stem 'quis-').

Ela não quis comer a sopa.

She didn't want to eat the soup.

Negative preterite often implies refusal.

Nós quisemos ajudar, mas não pudemos.

We wanted to help, but we couldn't.

Preterite 1st person plural.

Eles quiseram saber a verdade.

They wanted to know the truth.

Preterite 3rd person plural.

Eu queria ser médico quando era criança.

I wanted to be a doctor when I was a child.

Imperfect tense for past states.

Tu querias dizer alguma coisa?

Did you want to say something?

Imperfect tense for ongoing past desire.

Vocês quiseram comprar aquele carro?

Did you (plural) want to buy that car?

Preterite question.

Ele quis sair cedo da festa.

He wanted to leave the party early.

Preterite indicating a specific decision.

Eu quero que tu faças os teus trabalhos.

I want you to do your homework.

Querer + que + present subjunctive.

Ela quer que nós vamos à festa dela.

She wants us to go to her party.

Querer + que + present subjunctive.

Se tu quiseres, podemos ir jantar fora.

If you want, we can go out for dinner.

Future subjunctive in a conditional clause.

Foi sem querer que eu parti o prato.

It was unintentionally that I broke the plate.

Idiomatic expression 'sem querer'.

O que é que você quer que eu diga?

What do you want me to say?

Interrogative with subjunctive.

Eles querem que o projeto seja um sucesso.

They want the project to be a success.

Expressing a wish for a third party/thing.

Quando quiseres, avisa-me.

When you want, let me know.

Future subjunctive with 'quando'.

Nós queremos que vocês sejam felizes.

We want you (plural) to be happy.

Expressing a wish for others.

Eu quereria ajudar, mas não tenho tempo.

I would want to help, but I don't have time.

Conditional tense.

Se eu quisesse, já teria terminado o livro.

If I wanted to, I would have already finished the book.

Imperfect subjunctive in a hypothetical 'if' clause.

Eles não quiseram que nós soubéssemos do plano.

They didn't want us to know about the plan.

Preterite + que + imperfect subjunctive.

O diretor quer que todos os funcionários participem.

The director wants all employees to participate.

Formal requirement using 'querer'.

Querer é poder.

Where there's a will, there's a way. (Literally: To want is to be able to).

Proverb using infinitives as nouns.

Ela agiu como se não quisesse estar ali.

She acted as if she didn't want to be there.

Comparison with 'como se' + imperfect subjunctive.

Nós queríamos que o governo tomasse medidas.

We wanted the government to take measures.

Imperfect + que + imperfect subjunctive for past wishes.

Quisera eu ter a tua coragem!

I wish I had your courage!

Literary use of pluperfect indicative to express a wish.

O seu querer é a sua única lei.

His will is his only law.

Querer used as a masculine noun.

Por muito que queiras, não podes mudar o passado.

No matter how much you want to, you can't change the past.

Concessive clause with 'por muito que' + subjunctive.

A empresa pretende expandir, mas quer que o faça com cautela.

The company intends to expand, but wants it done with caution.

Contrast between 'pretender' and 'querer'.

Não foi por mal, foi sem querer querendo.

It wasn't on purpose, it was 'unintentionally wanting' (a play on words).

Nuanced use of gerund for emphasis.

Quis o destino que nos encontrássemos aqui.

Fate willed that we should meet here.

Personification of 'destino' as the subject of 'querer'.

Ela sempre quisera visitar o Japão.

She had always wanted to visit Japan.

Pluperfect indicative (literary past).

O que quer que aconteça, estarei aqui.

Whatever happens, I will be here.

Indefinite relative clause 'o que quer que'.

Ele é um homem de quereres fortes.

He is a man of strong desires/wills.

Plural noun usage.

O querer humano é insaciável por natureza.

Human desire is insatiable by nature.

Philosophical noun usage.

Bem quisera eu que as coisas fossem diferentes.

I truly wish things were different.

Emphatic use of 'bem' + pluperfect for longing.

A obra reflete o querer do autor em subverter normas.

The work reflects the author's will to subvert norms.

Academic/Artistic criticism context.

Querer-se-ia uma solução mais célere para este problema.

A faster solution would be desired for this problem.

Passive pronominal construction with conditional (mesoclisis).

Não se trata de poder, mas de querer.

It is not a matter of being able, but of wanting.

Contrast of modal infinitives.

Onde quer que fores, irei contigo.

Wherever you go, I will go with you.

Archaic/Poetic future subjunctive structure.

O seu fado era o de um querer não correspondido.

His fate was that of an unrequited desire.

Thematic use in cultural context.

Pode-se querer muito sem nada se desejar.

One can want much without desiring anything (philosophical paradox).

Nuanced distinction between 'querer' and 'desejar'.

تلازمات شائعة

querer dizer

querer bem a

sem querer

se quiseres

como quiser

o que quiser

querer a todo o custo

querer saber

quem me dera querer

querer é poder

العبارات الشائعة

O que é que você quer?

— A direct way to ask someone what they want or need.

O que é que você quer de presente?

Eu não quero nada.

— A way to say you don't want anything or are satisfied.

Obrigado, eu não quero nada agora.

Queria pedir um favor.

— A polite way to start asking for help.

Queria pedir um favor, podes ajudar-me?

Faz o que quiseres.

— Giving someone total freedom to choose.

Não me importo, faz o que quiseres.

Quero que saibas que...

— A phrase used to emphasize an important piece of information.

Quero que saibas que te apoio.

Não quis dizer isso.

— Clarifying that a previous statement was misunderstood.

Desculpa, eu não quis dizer isso.

Se Deus quiser.

— A very common expression meaning 'God willing' or 'Hopefully'.

Até amanhã, se Deus quiser.

Como queiras.

— A slightly dismissive or very flexible 'As you wish'.

Vamos de autocarro? Como queiras.

Querer é uma coisa, poder é outra.

— A phrase reminding someone that desire doesn't always equal ability.

Eu quero um Ferrari, mas querer é uma coisa...

Não quero nem saber!

— An emphatic way to say you don't care at all.

Ele está zangado? Não quero nem saber!

يُخلط عادةً مع

Querer vs gostar

Gostar means 'to like'. Querer means 'to want'. Don't say 'Eu gosto de um café' if you want to order one right now.

Querer vs desejar

Desejar is more formal and intense. Querer is for everyday needs.

Querer vs pretender

Pretender means 'to intend', not 'to pretend'. It is often used where English speakers might use 'want' in a professional setting.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Sem querer"

— By accident or unintentionally.

Entrei na sala errada sem querer.

neutral

"Querer o sol com a peneira"

— To try to do something impossible (literally: to want to cover the sun with a sieve).

Tentar esconder isso é querer tapar o sol com a peneira.

informal

"Quem tudo quer, tudo perde"

— He who wants everything, loses everything (greed leads to loss).

Não sejas ganancioso, lembra-te que quem tudo quer, tudo perde.

proverbial

"Querer a banha e o porco"

— To want to have your cake and eat it too.

Ele quer o salário alto e não trabalhar? Quer a banha e o porco!

informal

"Não querer ver nem pintado"

— To strongly dislike someone and not want to see them at all.

Depois da briga, não o quero ver nem pintado.

informal

"Querer dizer"

— To mean or signify.

O que quer dizer esta palavra?

neutral

"Se quiseres..."

— Used as a polite filler or to offer options.

Podemos ir agora, se quiseres.

neutral

"Querer é poder"

— Where there's a will, there's a way.

Estuda muito, pois querer é poder.

proverbial

"O que quer que seja"

— Whatever it may be.

Eu aceito o desafio, o que quer que seja.

neutral

"Dar o que falar/querer"

— To give people something to talk about or desire.

Aquele vestido deu o que querer.

informal

سهل الخلط

Querer vs Quis vs. Quisera

Both are past forms.

Quis is the standard preterite (I wanted). Quisera is the pluperfect (I had wanted) or a literary way to say 'I wish'.

Eu quis ir. / Quisera eu ser rico!

Querer vs Quer vs. Quere

Learners expect a regular ending.

Quere does not exist in modern Portuguese. Quer is the only correct 3rd person singular form.

Ele quer um doce.

Querer vs Quis vs. Quiz

Phonetic similarity.

Quis is the verb 'querer'. Quiz is the English loanword for a test/game.

Eu quis fazer o quiz.

Querer vs Queria vs. Quereria

Both express 'would like'.

Queria is the imperfect (more common for politeness). Quereria is the conditional (more formal/hypothetical).

Eu queria um café. / Eu quereria viajar se tivesse dinheiro.

Querer vs Quiser vs. Quisesse

Both are subjunctive forms.

Quiser is future subjunctive (If you want - likely). Quisesse is imperfect subjunctive (If you wanted - hypothetical).

Se quiseres, vamos. / Se eu quisesse, faria.

أنماط الجُمل

Eu quero [noun].

Eu quero um livro.

Eu quero [infinitive].

Eu quero dormir.

Eu queria [noun/infinitive].

Eu queria pedir um café.

Eu quis [infinitive].

Eu quis falar com ela.

Eu quero que [subjunctive].

Eu quero que tu venhas.

Se [future subjunctive]...

Se quiseres, eu ajudo.

Eu quereria [infinitive].

Eu quereria viajar mais.

O que quer que [subjunctive]...

O que quer que faças, faz bem.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

o querer (the will/desire)

o queridinho (the little favorite)

a querência (longing/homing instinct)

الأفعال

requerer (to require/request formally)

malquerer (to wish ill upon)

bem-querer (to wish well/love)

الصفات

querido (dear/beloved)

querida (dear/beloved - fem)

querençoso (desirous - rare)

مرتبط

desejo

vontade

apetite

intenção

objetivo

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Extremely high. It is among the top 20 most used verbs in Portuguese.

أخطاء شائعة

Eu quero você ir. → Eu quero que você vá.
Portuguese requires 'que' and the subjunctive for this structure.
Ele quere um café. → Ele quer um café.
The 3rd person singular present is 'quer', not 'quere'.
Eu queri viajar. → Eu quis viajar / Eu queria viajar.
The preterite of 'querer' is irregular ('quis').
Eu gosto um café. → Eu quero um café.
In English, 'I'd like' is polite 'want'. In Portuguese, 'gostar' is 'to like' (general preference).
Se você quere... → Se você quiser...
Conditional 'if' clauses require the future subjunctive 'quiser'.

نصائح

The 'Quer' Rule

Never say 'Ele quere'. It is always 'Ele quer'. This is a unique feature of this verb.

The Magic Tense

Use the Imperfect 'Queria' for everything you ask for in public. It makes you sound like a local.

Meaning

Use 'querer dizer' to ask for definitions. It's the most useful phrase for a learner.

S not Z

The past forms like 'quis', 'quiseste', and 'quiseram' always use 'S', never 'Z'.

Subjunctive Trigger

Whenever you want someone else to do something, prepare to use the subjunctive mood after 'que'.

Brazilian Style

In Brazil, 'querer' is often replaced by 'estar a fim de' in casual conversations.

Motivation

Remember 'Querer é poder'. It's a great way to motivate yourself to study!

Past Tense

If you hear 'quis', something happened once. If you hear 'queria', it was an ongoing desire.

Religious Influence

The phrase 'Se Deus quiser' is used by everyone, regardless of how religious they are.

Accidents

Memorize 'Foi sem querer'. It's the best way to apologize for small mistakes.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'Query'. When you run a query, you WANT information. Querer = Query = Want.

ربط بصري

Imagine a child pointing at a toy store window. Their finger is shaped like the letter 'Q' for Querer, and they are shouting 'I want!'

Word Web

vontade desejo queria quis querido requerer querer bem sem querer

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'querer' in three different tenses today: 'Eu quero' (now), 'Eu queria' (polite request), and 'Eu quis' (something you wanted earlier).

أصل الكلمة

Derived from the Latin verb 'quaerere', which meant 'to seek', 'to look for', or 'to ask'. Over time, the meaning shifted from the act of seeking to the desire for the object being sought.

المعنى الأصلي: To seek, to search for, to inquire.

Romance (Indo-European)

السياق الثقافي

Be careful using 'Eu quero-te' (I want you) as it is very sexually or romantically charged. Use 'Eu gosto de ti' for 'I like you'.

English speakers often use 'I would like' to be polite. In Portuguese, you achieve this by changing the tense of 'querer' to the imperfect 'queria'.

The song 'Querer' by Cirque du Soleil (though in Spanish, the word is identical and widely known). The Portuguese proverb 'Querer é poder' (Where there's a will, there's a way). The character 'Quico' from 'Chaves' who often uses the word.

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

At a Restaurant

Eu queria a ementa.
O que vai querer beber?
Não quero sobremesa.
Queria a conta, por favor.

With Friends

Queres sair hoje?
Não quero ir ao cinema.
O que queres fazer?
Quero muito ver-te.

At Work

Quero o relatório pronto.
O chefe quer falar contigo.
Queremos expandir o mercado.
O que quer dizer com isso?

Shopping

Quero ver aquele casaco.
Não quero este, quero o outro.
Quanto quer por isto?
Queria trocar esta camisa.

Expressing Accidents

Foi sem querer.
Não quis fazer isso.
Desculpe, foi sem querer.
Aconteceu sem eu querer.

بدايات محادثة

"O que é que tu queres fazer este fim de semana?"

"Se pudesses viajar para qualquer lugar, para onde quererias ir?"

"O que é que você quer ser quando for mais velho?"

"Queres ir tomar um café agora ou mais tarde?"

"O que é que queres comer ao jantar hoje?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Escreve sobre três coisas que queres alcançar este ano e porquê.

Descreve uma situação em que fizeste algo 'sem querer' e o que aconteceu.

O que é que tu querias ser quando eras criança? Mudaste de ideia?

Se tivesses todo o dinheiro do mundo, o que quererias comprar primeiro?

Escreve sobre algo que queres que mude no mundo.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

It can be. In a shop or restaurant, 'Eu queria' is much more polite. 'Eu quero' is fine with close friends or when stating a firm decision.

'Quis' is for a specific moment (I wanted/tried). 'Queria' is for a continuous state in the past or a polite request.

You must use the pattern 'Quero que' + [person] + [subjunctive verb]. For example: 'Quero que tu comas'.

In the phrase 'querer bem a alguém', it means to care for or love someone deeply, usually in a non-romantic or stable romantic way.

No, it is highly irregular. The stem changes to 'quis-' in the preterite and the 3rd person singular present is 'quer'.

Yes, 'querer dizer' is the standard way to say 'to mean'. 'O que é que isso quer dizer?'

Use 'quiser' in 'if' or 'when' clauses referring to the future: 'Se você quiser...' (If you want...).

It is an idiom meaning 'unintentionally' or 'by accident'. 'Fiz isso sem querer' means 'I did it by accident'.

Yes, 'o querer' means 'the will' or 'the desire'. It is more common in literature and philosophy.

Not necessarily. 'Desejar' is just more formal. In 90% of daily life, 'querer' is the better choice.

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