In 15 Sekunden
- A formal way to say 'I request that' in Portuguese.
- Always triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
- Best for emails, official documents, and professional requests.
Bedeutung
This is a polite, formal way to say 'I am requesting that' or 'I ask that.' It is the gold standard for getting things done officially without sounding bossy.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Emailing HR for a vacation
Solicito que analisem meu pedido de férias.
I request that you analyze my vacation request.
Writing to a landlord about a leak
Solicito que o conserto seja feito com urgência.
I request that the repair be made urgently.
A humorous take with a spouse
Solicito que vossa excelência lave a louça hoje.
I request that your excellency wash the dishes today.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Brazil, 'Solicito que' is often seen as a way to avoid the 'Jeitinho' and get things done through official merit. It signals that you know your rights. Portuguese speakers in Portugal tend to use 'Venho por este meio solicitar que...' in letters, which is even more formal than the Brazilian equivalent. In Lusophone companies, using this phrase in an email to a superior is a sign of 'educação' and professionalism, avoiding over-familiarity. Lawyers use 'Solicitar' for administrative requests and 'Requerer' for judicial ones. Knowing the difference is key for law students.
The Subjunctive Shortcut
If you use 'Solicito que', the next verb will almost always end in -E (for -AR verbs) or -A (for -ER/-IR verbs).
Don't be a Robot
Using this with friends makes you sound like an automated answering machine. Stick to 'Pode...' or 'Me dá...'
In 15 Sekunden
- A formal way to say 'I request that' in Portuguese.
- Always triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
- Best for emails, official documents, and professional requests.
What It Means
Solicito que is the professional cousin of peço que. It means you are making a formal request. It sounds polished and serious. You aren't just asking for a favor. You are initiating a process. It implies you have the right to ask. It also implies the other person should respond.
How To Use It
You must follow this phrase with the subjunctive mood. This is the 'mood of doubt or wishes.' For example, use solicito que você envie instead of envia. It acts like a trigger for formal grammar. Use it at the start of emails. Use it when filling out government forms. It makes your Portuguese sound high-level instantly.
When To Use It
Use it in the office. Use it when writing to your landlord. It is perfect for customer service complaints. If a flight is delayed, use this phrase. It shows you know your rights. It works well in any 'official' capacity. Think of it as your 'business suit' in sentence form.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your best friend. Do not use it with your mom. If you say solicito que me passes o sal at dinner, people will laugh. It is too stiff for a bar. It is too cold for a date. Avoid it in casual WhatsApp groups. Stick to pode... or me dá... there.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values formal hierarchy in writing. Even if people are relaxed in person, emails stay traditional. Using solicito que shows respect for the institution. It is a remnant of old-school bureaucracy. Brazilians and Portuguese people alike use it to navigate the 'paperwork' side of life. It’s the linguistic key to opening official doors.
Common Variations
You might see venho solicitar que. This means 'I am coming to request that.' It is even more formal. Another one is solicitamos que if you represent a company. If you want to be slightly softer, use gostaria de solicitar que. That translates to 'I would like to request that.' It adds a layer of politeness.
Nutzungshinweise
This phrase is strictly formal. It is primarily used in written correspondence or highly structured professional environments. It requires the use of the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause.
The Subjunctive Shortcut
If you use 'Solicito que', the next verb will almost always end in -E (for -AR verbs) or -A (for -ER/-IR verbs).
Don't be a Robot
Using this with friends makes you sound like an automated answering machine. Stick to 'Pode...' or 'Me dá...'
Email Etiquette
Always start your email with 'Prezado(a)' before using 'Solicito que' to maintain the formal frame.
Beispiele
6Solicito que analisem meu pedido de férias.
I request that you analyze my vacation request.
Uses the plural 'you' (vocês) form of the verb.
Solicito que o conserto seja feito com urgência.
I request that the repair be made urgently.
The word 'seja' is the subjunctive form of 'to be'.
Solicito que vossa excelência lave a louça hoje.
I request that your excellency wash the dishes today.
Using such formal language for chores is clearly a joke.
Solicito que minha conta seja encerrada.
I request that my account be closed.
Direct and clear for legal purposes.
Solicito que me envie o relatório até amanhã.
I request that you send me the report by tomorrow.
Standard office communication.
Solicito que o valor seja reembolsado imediatamente.
I request that the amount be refunded immediately.
Firm but polite tone for a customer.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in parentheses (Subjunctive).
Solicito que o senhor _______ (assinar) o contrato.
'Solicito que' triggers the present subjunctive. For -AR verbs, the ending changes to -E.
Which situation is most appropriate for using 'Solicito que'?
Choose the best context:
'Solicito que' is a very formal expression reserved for professional or official contexts.
Complete the formal dialogue.
Secretária: Pois não, em que posso ajudar? Cliente: Bom dia. ________ que minha consulta seja remarcada.
'Solicito' fits the formal tone of the secretary's greeting.
Match the phrase to the register.
1. Solicito que saia. 2. Por favor, saia. 3. Cai fora!
'Solicito' is the highest level of formality here.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Formality Scale
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenSolicito que o senhor _______ (assinar) o contrato.
'Solicito que' triggers the present subjunctive. For -AR verbs, the ending changes to -E.
Choose the best context:
'Solicito que' is a very formal expression reserved for professional or official contexts.
Secretária: Pois não, em que posso ajudar? Cliente: Bom dia. ________ que minha consulta seja remarcada.
'Solicito' fits the formal tone of the secretary's greeting.
1. Solicito que saia. 2. Por favor, saia. 3. Cai fora!
'Solicito' is the highest level of formality here.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenOnly if it's a very formal message to a client or boss. Otherwise, it's too stiff.
'Solicito' is formal/official; 'Peço' is neutral and can be used anywhere.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in both, though the surrounding phrases might differ.
Yes, if you are following it with an action (a verb).
No, it's actually very polite in a professional way. It's 'cold' but respectful.
It's common in speech but 'Solicito que' is more correct in formal writing.
Use 'Solicitamos que' (We request that).
Yes, in speeches, announcements, and formal meetings.
Only in a very fancy restaurant if you want to sound extremely posh, but usually no.
There isn't a direct opposite, but 'Ofereço' (I offer) is the other side of the transaction.
Yes, it's a 'power phrase' that makes you sound more advanced than you are.
Only if the main verb is in the past: 'Solicitei que ele fizesse'.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Peço que
similarI ask that
Requeiro que
specialized formI require/petition that
Exijo que
contrastI demand that
Gostaria que
similarI would like that
Venho solicitar
builds onI come to request
