A0 Expressions & Patterns 13 min read Fácil

Me gustaría... — Pedir y Solicitudes Corteses

Usar "I'd like...
es tu pase VIP para sonar educado y natural en cualquier situación, desde pedir comida hasta expresar deseos con
polite requests y natural flow".

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'I'd like' to sound polite and professional when asking for things or ordering food.

  • Use 'I'd like' + Noun for objects, like 'I'd like a coffee.'
  • Use 'I'd like to' + Verb for actions, like 'I'd like to go.'
  • Always use the contraction 'I'd' in spoken English to sound natural.
👤 + 🍦 + ❤️ = I'd like...

Overview

¿Alguna vez has estado en una cafetería, con el corazón a mil, preocupado por si sonarás grosero en inglés? A todos nos ha pasado. Pero, ¿y si te dijera que hay una frase sencilla que funciona casi siempre?
Te presento I'd like…. Es tu llave secreta para sonar educado y seguro al pedir o hacer peticiones.
I'd like es la forma amable y educada de decir lo que quieres. Piénsalo como la versión suave de I want. Se usa constantemente en la vida diaria, desde tomar un café por la mañana hasta pedir ayuda en una tienda.
Puedes usarlo para pedir comida y bebida, solicitar un servicio o hablar de algo que te gustaría hacer. Es la abreviatura de I would like, pero en la conversación, I'd like es mucho más común. Usarlo demuestra respeto por la persona con la que hablas.
Hace que tu petición suene como una sugerencia educada, no como una exigencia. Sinceramente, si alguna vez dudas sobre qué decir al comprar algo, simplemente usa I'd like. Es casi siempre una opción fantástica.

How This Grammar Works

Entonces, ¿cuál es la magia detrás de esta frase? Todo se trata de algo llamado el 'condicional'. La palabra would (o su forma corta 'd) hace que el verbo like sea menos directo.
En lugar de afirmar un hecho rotundo (I want), estás expresando un deseo hipotético (I would like this, if it's possible). Esta pequeña distancia es lo que lo hace sonar tan educado. ¡Es un amortiguador social!
No estás exigiendo la cosa; la estás pidiendo educadamente. Es como añadir un pequeño 'por favor' dentro del propio verbo. Cambia toda la vibra de la frase de exigente a respetuosa.
Aunque es una petición, se siente como una conversación. Por eso es tan útil en situaciones de servicio: le estás demostrando a la otra persona que la ves como una persona, no solo como un robot que te trae cosas. Un poco de amabilidad llega muy lejos, ¡especialmente cuando intentas conseguir un asiento de ventanilla en un vuelo!

Formation Pattern

1
La estructura es maravillosamente simple. Solo tienes que recordar dos patrones principales:
2
Para pedir una cosa (un sustantivo):
3
I'd like + a/an/some + [Noun]
4
I'd like a coffee. (una cosa singular, contable)
5
I'd like an apple. (una cosa singular, contable que empieza con sonido de vocal)
6
I'd like some water. (una cosa incontable o cosas en plural)
7
Para pedir una acción (un verbo):
8
I'd like + to + [Verb (in its base form)]
9
I'd like to make a reservation.
10
I'd like to ask a question.
11
I'd like to see the menu, please.
12
¡Y no olvides añadir please al final para ser extra educado! No es obligatorio, pero siempre es un buen detalle.

When To Use It

Esta frase es tu multiherramienta para muchísimas situaciones. Sonarás natural y educado siempre.
  • Pedir comida y bebida: Este es el uso n.º 1. En una cafetería, restaurante o bar. También funciona para pedir en una app. "I'd like the cheeseburger and a cola."
  • Hacer peticiones en tiendas: Cuando necesitas ayuda de un empleado. "I'd like to try this on in a larger size."
  • En un hotel: Para pedir servicios. "I'd like a wake-up call at 7 AM, please."
  • Hacer citas: Por teléfono o en persona. "I'd like to book an appointment with Dr. Evans."
  • Expresar un deseo: Hablar de tus esperanzas. "I'd like to travel to Japan someday." Podrías ver esto en un pie de foto esperanzador de Instagram.
  • En un entorno profesional: Decir suavemente lo que quieres hacer en una reunión. "I'd like to add a point here." Es mucho más suave que decir “I want to say something.”
Básicamente, es para cualquier momento en que necesites algo de otra persona y quieras ser amable al respecto. Realmente no puedes abusar de su uso.

Common Mistakes

Esto es importante, así que vamos a aclararlo. La confusión más común es entre I like y I'd like.
  • I like coffee. Es una declaración general. Significa que disfrutas del café en general. Es un hecho sobre ti. No lo estás pidiendo ahora. Quizás tienes todo un blog dedicado al café. No lo sabemos.
  • I'd like a coffee. Es una petición específica. Significa que quieres tomar un café, ahora mismo. Estás pidiendo.
Error: Decir I like a coffee, please. a un barista.
Por qué está mal: Le estás hablando de tu preferencia general, no pidiendo una bebida. Es confuso. Probablemente te entenderá, pero suena antinatural.
Corrección: I'd like a coffee, please.
Otro error es usar want cuando would like es mejor. ¿Mensajeando a un amigo? I want pizza está bien. ¿Hablando con un camarero que acabas de conocer? I'd like a pizza es mucho, mucho mejor. Muestra más respeto.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

El inglés tiene varias formas de pedir cosas. Veamos cómo se compara I'd like. Imagina que estás en un restaurante.
  • I want a burger.
  • Sensación: Muy directo, casi exigente. Puede sonar grosero o infantil para un camarero. Es como decirle a tu madre qué hacer. Probablemente no sea una buena idea.
  • Úsalo: Quizás con amigos cercanos o familiares, pero es arriesgado en situaciones de servicio.
  • I'd like a burger.
  • Sensación: El estándar de oro. Educado, claro y respetuoso.
  • Úsalo: Casi en cualquier lugar. Es seguro y siempre suena bien.
  • Can I have a burger?
  • Sensación: También muy común y educado. Es una pregunta genuina. Ligeramente más informal que I'd like.
  • Úsalo: Funciona genial en la mayoría de los mismos lugares que I'd like. Es una alternativa amigable.
  • I'll have a burger.
  • Sensación: Confiado y decidido. Usas esto cuando has tomado tu decisión, a menudo después de mirar el menú. Es educado y eficiente.
  • Úsalo: Cuando el camarero pregunta,
    Are you ready to order?
    , esta es una respuesta perfecta.
Entonces, I want es la arriesgada. I'd like, Can I have, y I'll have son todas opciones seguras y educadas. I'd like es simplemente la más versátil del grupo.

Quick FAQ

_P: ¿I'd like es solo para situaciones formales?_

¡Para nada! Es perfectamente normal en situaciones cotidianas e informales como una cafetería local o hablando con un colega. Es educado, no necesariamente formal.

_P: ¿Puedo usar I would like en lugar de I'd like?_

Sí, puedes. I would like es la forma completa y es un poco más formal y enfática. Pero al hablar, I'd like es mucho más común y suena más natural.

_P: ¿Cuál es la respuesta correcta cuando alguien dice I'd like a coffee?_

Si eres el camarero, dirías algo como Claro, ¡en seguida! o

Vale, un café. ¿Algo más?
.

_P: ¿I'd like siempre tiene que ser una pregunta?_

¡Nop! Es una afirmación. Es una afirmación educada de lo que quieres. El signo de interrogación está en la cara de la otra persona, preguntándose cómo puede ayudarte.

Conjugating 'Would Like'

Subject Contraction Full Form Example
I
I'd like
I would like
I'd like a tea.
You
You'd like
You would like
You'd like a coffee.
He/She/It
He'd/She'd like
He/She would like
She'd like a water.
We
We'd like
We would like
We'd like to go.
They
They'd like
They would like
They'd like to stay.

Contractions vs Full Forms

Type Contraction Full Form
Affirmative
I'd like
I would like
Negative
I wouldn't like
I would not like
Question
N/A
Would you like...?

Meanings

A polite way to express a desire or to make a request without sounding demanding or rude.

1

Ordering Food/Drinks

Used in restaurants to tell the server what you want to eat or drink.

“I'd like the steak, please.”

“I'd like a large pizza.”

2

Requesting Actions

Used to tell someone what you want to do or what you want them to do.

“I'd like to check in.”

“I'd like to see the manager.”

3

Expressing Preferences

Used to choose between options politely.

“I'd like the blue one.”

“I'd like a window seat.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Me gustaría... — Pedir y Solicitudes Corteses
Estructura Uso Ejemplo Traducción
`I'd like + sustantivo`
Pedir un objeto
`I'd like a coffee.`
Me gustaría un café.
`I'd like + to + verbo`
Pedir realizar una acción
`I'd like to pay.`
Me gustaría pagar.
`I'd like some + incontable`
Pedir una cantidad no específica
`I'd like some water.`
Me gustaría un poco de agua.
`I'd like + plural`
Pedir varios objetos
`I'd like two tickets.`
Me gustaría dos boletos.
`I wouldn't like...`
Rechazo educado
`I wouldn't like any.`
No me gustaría ninguno.
`I'd like... please`
Cortesía extra
`I'd like the bill, please.`
Me gustaría la cuenta, por favor.

Espectro de formalidad

Formal
I would like a glass of water, if you please.

I would like a glass of water, if you please. (Restaurant)

Neutral
I'd like a water, please.

I'd like a water, please. (Restaurant)

Informal
Can I get a water?

Can I get a water? (Restaurant)

Jerga
Gimme a water.

Gimme a water. (Restaurant)

Ejemplos por nivel

1

I'd like a coffee, please.

I would like a coffee.

2

I'd like a menu.

I would like a menu.

3

I'd like a taxi.

I would like a taxi.

4

I'd like a salad.

I would like a salad.

1

I'd like to pay by card.

I want to pay using a credit card.

2

Would you like some tea?

Do you want some tea?

3

I'd like to see the room.

I want to look at the room.

4

We'd like to order now.

We are ready to order.

1

I'd like you to meet my manager.

I want to introduce you to my manager.

2

I'd like to know more about the job.

I am interested in job details.

3

I'd like to make a reservation for two.

I want to book a table.

4

I'd like to clarify one point.

I want to make something clear.

1

I'd like to have seen the look on his face.

I wish I had seen his expression.

2

I'd like to think that we are friends.

I hope/believe we are friends.

3

I'd like to suggest a different approach.

I want to propose something else.

4

I'd like to be considered for the role.

I want you to think of me for the job.

1

I'd like to have been given the opportunity to explain.

I wish I was allowed to explain earlier.

2

I'd like to think I'm not that naive.

I believe I am more clever than that.

3

I'd like to draw your attention to the fine print.

Please look at the small details.

4

I'd like to propose a toast to the bride.

Let's drink to celebrate the bride.

1

I'd like to have thought my contribution was valued.

I used to hope my work mattered.

2

I'd like to see anyone try to best that record.

I don't think anyone can beat it.

3

I'd like to believe in the inherent goodness of people.

I try to have faith in humanity.

4

I'd like to have been a fly on the wall during that meeting.

I wish I could have overheard them.

Fácil de confundir

`I'd Like...` — Ordering & Polite Requests vs I like vs I'd like

Learners often forget the 'd, changing the meaning from a request to a general preference.

`I'd Like...` — Ordering & Polite Requests vs I'd like vs I want

Both mean the same thing, but 'I want' is too direct for strangers.

`I'd Like...` — Ordering & Polite Requests vs I'd like vs I'd love

I'd love is just a stronger version of I'd like.

Errores comunes

I like a coffee.

I'd like a coffee.

Without 'd, it means you enjoy coffee generally, not that you want one now.

I want a coffee.

I'd like a coffee, please.

Too direct and can sound rude to service staff.

I'd like go.

I'd like to go.

You must use 'to' before a verb.

He'd likes a tea.

He'd like a tea.

The word 'like' does not take an 's' after 'would'.

Do you like a drink?

Would you like a drink?

Use 'Would' for offering something now.

I'd like a water please.

I'd like some water / a bottle of water.

Water is uncountable, though 'a water' is becoming common in cafes.

I'd like that you help me.

I'd like you to help me.

English uses the 'Object + to + Verb' pattern, not a 'that' clause here.

I'd liked to go.

I'd like to have gone.

To express a past desire that didn't happen, use the perfect infinitive.

Patrones de oraciones

I'd like a ___, please.

I'd like to ___.

Would you like ___?

I'd like you to ___.

Real World Usage

Ordering at Starbucks constant

I'd like a tall latte, please.

Checking into a Hotel very common

I'd like to check in. I have a reservation.

Shopping for clothes common

I'd like to try this on in a medium.

At the Doctor occasional

I'd like to make an appointment for Tuesday.

On a Food App very common

I'd like to add extra cheese.

Job Interview occasional

I'd like to ask about the company culture.

💡

Siempre añade 'Please'

Poner 'please' al final de tu pedido lo hace mil veces más amigable. Es como el toque mágico en inglés: "I'd like a coffee, please."
⚠️

Evita el 'I want...'

Decir 'I want...' puede sonar muy mandón o directo, casi como una exigencia. Con desconocidos, mejor usa: "I'd like a burger."
🎯

Practica con juegos de rol

Imagina que pides algo en un chat de voz de un videojuego o en un café. Di en voz alta: "I'd like to join the game."
🌍

La cortesía es la clave

En la cultura anglosajona, ser directo se siente rudo. Usar 'I'd like...' muestra respeto por la otra persona: "I'd like some help, please."
💡

Escucha el sonido 'd like'

Cuando los nativos hablan rápido, 'I'd like' suena casi como 'eyed like'. ¡Ojo al oído! "I'd like to go now."

Smart Tips

Start your sentence with 'I'd like' instead of 'Give me'.

Give me the chicken. I'd like the chicken, please.

Use 'Would you like' to sound like a perfect host.

Do you want a seat? Would you like a seat?

Use the 'I'd like you to' pattern to avoid sounding bossy.

Send me the report. I'd like you to send me the report when you have a moment.

Remember: 'I like' = general hobby. 'I'd like' = specific request now.

I like a coffee (I am a coffee lover). I'd like a coffee (I am thirsty now).

Pronunciación

/aɪd/

The 'd' sound

The 'd' in 'I'd' is very soft. It sounds like a tiny stop at the end of 'I'.

I'd-like

Linking

The 'd' in 'I'd' often links to the 'l' in 'like'.

Polite Request

I'd like a ↗ coffee, please ↘.

Rising on the object, falling on please.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

I'D LIKE is the 'Polite Pike'—it always swims smoothly in a restaurant.

Asociación visual

Imagine yourself wearing a tuxedo or a fancy dress. When you are dressed nicely, you use 'I'd like'. When you are in pajamas at home, you can say 'I want'.

Rhyme

Don't be rude, don't be a hike, just say 'Please, I'd like'.

Story

A traveler named Tom went to London. He said 'I want beer' and the waiter was sad. Then Tom said 'I'd like a beer, please' and the waiter smiled and gave him a free snack.

Word Web

PoliteRequestRestaurantWouldLikePleaseOrder

Desafío

Go to a cafe today (or pretend to) and order three different things using 'I'd like...'. Don't forget to say 'please' at the end!

Notas culturales

In the UK, 'I'd like' is almost always followed by 'please'. Omitting 'please' can be seen as very rude.

Americans use 'I'd like' frequently, but also use 'Can I get...?' which is slightly more informal but still polite.

Australians might use 'I'd love...' to show more enthusiasm for the choice.

The phrase comes from the Old English 'wolde' (past of will) and 'lician' (to please).

Inicios de conversación

What would you like to eat for dinner tonight?

If you could travel anywhere, where would you like to go?

What would you like to change about your city?

I'd like you to describe your dream job.

Temas para diario

Write a list of 5 things you'd like to buy this month.
Describe your perfect vacation. Where would you like to stay and what would you like to do?
Write a polite email to a hotel asking for a room upgrade.
Reflect on your life goals. What would you like to have achieved by this time next year?

Errores comunes

Incorrect

Correcto


Incorrect

Correcto


Incorrect

Correcto


Incorrect

Correcto

Test Yourself

Elige la forma correcta

I ___ a glass of water, please.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: would like
'Would like' (o su contracción 'd like') es la forma educada de pedir algo. 'Want' puede sonar rudo.
Encuentra y corrige el error Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

She'd like go to the park.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: She'd like to go to the park.
Al expresar el deseo de hacer una acción, siempre usa 'to' antes del verbo después de 'I'd like'.
Escribe la frase correcta en inglés Traducción

Translate into English: 'Me gustaría una manzana.'

Answer starts with: ["I...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I'd like an apple.","I would like an apple."]
'I'd like' es el equivalente educado de 'Me gustaría' al pedir un objeto.
¿Cuál frase es correcta? Opción múltiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like a pizza, please.
'I'd like' es para pedir. 'I want' es muy directo y 'I like' es para gustos generales, no para pedidos.

Score: /4

Ejercicios de practica

8 exercises
Choose the most polite way to order. Opción múltiple

You are in a restaurant. What do you say?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like a salad.
'I'd like' is the standard polite form for ordering.
Fill in the missing word.

I'd like ___ pay by credit card.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: to
We use 'to' before a verb after 'I'd like'.
Find the mistake. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

He'd likes a glass of juice.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: likes
After 'would' (the 'd), the verb 'like' never takes an 's'.
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

like / I'd / to / a / make / reservation

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like to make a reservation
The order is Subject + 'd like + to + Verb + Object.
Match the request to the context. Match Pairs

1. I'd like a room. 2. I'd like a table. 3. I'd like a ticket.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Hotel, 2-Restaurant, 3-Train Station
These are common nouns used with 'I'd like' in specific places.
Which question is an offer? Opción múltiple

You want to give your friend some water.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Would you like some water?
'Would you like' is the polite way to offer something.
Complete the negative form.

I ___ like any dessert, thank you.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: wouldn't
The negative of 'would like' is 'wouldn't like'.
Choose the correct B1 level structure. Opción múltiple

I want you to call me later.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like you to call me later.
The pattern is 'I'd like + person + to + verb'.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Elige la forma correcta Completar huecos

We ___ to visit the museum tomorrow.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: would like
Encuentra y corrige el error Error Correction

I'd like ask a question.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like to ask a question.
¿Cuál frase es correcta? Opción múltiple

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He'd like a coffee.
Escribe la frase correcta en inglés Traducción

Translate into English: 'Me gustaría saber más sobre este programa.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I'd like to know more about this program.","I would like to know more about this program."]
Pon las palabras en orden Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like to book a table.
Une el inicio de la petición con su final correcto. Match Pairs

Match the beginning of the request with the correct ending:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched
Completa la petición educada. Completar huecos

We ___ to order some dessert, please.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: would like
Corrige la frase ruda. Error Correction

I want two coffees.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like two coffees.
Identifica la forma correcta de pedir. Opción múltiple

Which is the most polite way to ask for the bill?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like the bill, please.
Traduce esta petición común. Traducción

Translate into English: 'Me gustaría ir al aeropuerto.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["I'd like to go to the airport.","I would like to go to the airport."]
Forma una frase educada. Sentence Reorder

Arrange these words into a sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I'd like some information, please.
Empareja la petición con su significado. Match Pairs

Match the request with what it means you want.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: matched

Score: /12

Preguntas frecuentes (8)

Yes, the meaning is the same, but `I'd like` is much more polite and suitable for public places.

Yes, but it sounds very formal. In normal conversation, almost everyone says `I'd like`.

Only if a verb follows. `I'd like a coffee` (Noun - no 'to'). `I'd like to drink` (Verb - use 'to').

Yes, with close friends and family, `I want` is perfectly normal and not rude.

You can say `Yes, please` or `No, thank you`. You can also say `I'd love one!`

It is a contraction of the word `would`.

No, for the past you usually say `I wanted` or `I would have liked`.

Yes, it is very common in professional emails to make polite requests.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Me gustaría

Spanish uses a reflexive structure (It would please me).

French high

Je voudrais

French is a single conjugated verb, English uses a helper 'would'.

German high

Ich möchte

German 'möchte' is often treated as a modal verb.

Japanese moderate

〜をお願いします (-o onegaishimasu)

Japanese focuses on the act of 'humbly requesting' rather than 'liking'.

Arabic moderate

أود أن (Awaddu an)

Arabic often requires a 'that' clause (an) before the verb.

Chinese moderate

我想 (Wǒ xiǎng)

Chinese does not have a conditional tense like 'would'.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

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