A1 Present Tense 15 min read Easy

Verb Querer: Expressing Desire & Ordering (quer, querem)

Use 'querer' for everything you want or intend to do, but remember the 3rd person singular is just 'quer'.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'querer' to express what you want or to order items politely in restaurants and shops.

  • Use 'eu quero' for 'I want'. Example: 'Eu quero um café.'
  • Use 'você quer' for 'do you want?'. Example: 'Você quer água?'
  • Use 'querem' for 'they want'. Example: 'Eles querem pizza.'
Subject + Querer (conjugated) + Object/Verb

Overview

The verb querer (to want) is fundamental in Portuguese, serving as the primary means to express desires, intentions, and polite requests. Mastering querer at the A1 level significantly enhances communicative ability, allowing you to articulate basic needs and engage in simple social interactions. Though an irregular verb, its present tense conjugation is manageable and essential.

Understanding querer requires attention to its slight variations between Brazilian Portuguese (BP) and European Portuguese (EP), especially concerning politeness in transactional contexts. This explanation will detail its precise conjugation, common uses, potential pitfalls, and how it contrasts with other verbs of necessity or preference.

Conjugation Table

Pronoun Portuguese (Present Indicative) English Equivalent
:------ :------------------------------ :-----------------
Eu quero I want
Tu queres You want (informal, singular - mainly EP)
Você quer You want (formal/standard, singular - BP/EP)
Ele/Ela quer He/She wants
Nós queremos We want
Vocês querem You all want (BP/EP)
Eles/Elas querem They want

How This Grammar Works

Querer is an irregular verb from the second conjugation (-er verbs) in Portuguese. Its irregularity is most pronounced in the first-person singular (eu) and third-person singular (você, ele, ela) forms of the present indicative. Unlike regular -er verbs (e.g., beber, comer) that typically end in -o for eu and -e for você/ele/ela, querer maintains -o for eu (eu quero) but uses -er for the third person singular (ele quer).
This means the expected final e is dropped in the third person singular. This concise form is a characteristic of many high-frequency irregular verbs, often stemming from historical phonetic contractions. The verb's core function is to convey desire, intention, and, depending on context, a polite request.

Formation Pattern

1
The present indicative conjugation of querer follows a distinct pattern, with specific irregularities. You form the verb by starting with the stem quer- and applying endings that deviate in two key instances.
2
Eu quero: The -o ending for the first-person singular aligns with most regular Portuguese verbs across all conjugations, clearly indicating "I" as the subject. Example: Eu quero um café. (I want a coffee.)
3
Tu queres: This form adds the standard -es ending for the second-person singular. It is common in European Portuguese and specific Brazilian regions (e.g., the South). Example: Tu queres ir à praia? (Do you want to go to the beach?)
4
Você/Ele/Ela quer: This is querer's most significant irregularity. Instead of the expected -e ending (like ele come), it ends abruptly with -er. Remembering this shortened form is crucial for correct usage. Example: Ela quer viajar. (She wants to travel.)
5
Nós queremos: This form is regular, using the typical -emos ending for second-conjugation verbs in the first-person plural. Example: Nós queremos aprender português. (We want to learn Portuguese.)
6
Vocês/Eles/Elas querem: This form is also regular, employing the standard -em ending for the third-person plural of -er verbs. The pronunciation of this -em ending is distinctly nasal in both BP and EP. Example: Eles querem comer pizza. (They want to eat pizza.)
7
The primary challenge is internalizing the quer form for você/ele/ela and avoiding the common mistake of over-regularizing it to *quere.

When To Use It

You use querer in several key scenarios to express desire, intention, and sometimes, a polite command or request, with regional nuances.
  • To Express Direct Desire or Want: This is its primary function. Use querer to state a personal wish for an object, a person, or an action.
  • For objects: Eu quero água, por favor. (I want water, please.)
  • For people (often strong desire): Eu quero você. (I want you.)
  • For actions (followed by an infinitive verb): Ele quer estudar mais. (He wants to study more.)
  • To Form Intentions or Future Plans (Informal Future): In Portuguese, especially Brazilian Portuguese, querer followed by an infinitive often serves as a common, flexible way to express future intent, similar to "going to" or stating a future action in English. This is less formal than the proper future tense.
  • Nós queremos visitar Portugal no próximo ano. (We want to visit Portugal next year.)
  • Você quer comer fora hoje à noite? (Do you want to eat out tonight?)
  • To Make Requests or Order Items (Context-Dependent Politeness): Regional differences are important here. In Brazil, Eu quero... is generally accepted for ordering food or drinks, especially with por favor and a polite tone. In European Portuguese, querer can sound direct; alternatives are often preferred (see "When Not To Use It"). However, Quer... ? or Querem... ? can offer something or ask if someone desires something.
  • (BP) Quero uma cerveja gelada, por favor. (I want a cold beer, please.)
  • (BP/EP, offering) Quer um pouco de bolo? (Do you want some cake?)
  • (BP/EP, offering plural) Vocês querem mais café? (Do you all want more coffee?)
  • To Issue Social Invitations: When inviting acquaintances, querer provides a casual and friendly way to propose activities.
  • Ela quer ir ao cinema comigo. (She wants to go to the cinema with me.)
  • Vocês querem sair no fim de semana? (Do you all want to go out on the weekend?)
  • To Express Romantic Desire (Use with Caution): The phrase Eu te quero translates to "I want you." It conveys intense romantic or physical desire, often stronger than Eu te amo (I love you). Use Eu te quero with discretion, as its connotation is passionate.

When Not To Use It

While querer is versatile, some contexts make its use less idiomatic or potentially inappropriate, particularly concerning politeness and specific types of needs or preferences.
  • For Formal Ordering in European Portuguese: In Portugal, directly using Eu quero... when ordering in restaurants or shops can be perceived as impolite. Native speakers often prefer softer forms.
  • Instead of *Eu quero um bitoque., use Eu queria um bitoque, por favor. (I would like a steak, please.)
  • Alternatively, Gostaria de um café. (I would like a coffee.)
  • To Express General Liking or Preference: Querer implies a specific, often immediate, desire. For general preferences or things you habitually enjoy, the verb gostar de (to like) is the correct choice.
  • Incorrect: *Eu quero pizza (if meaning "I like pizza in general").
  • Correct: Eu gosto de pizza. (I like pizza.)
  • However, if you mean "I want pizza right now," then Eu quero pizza. is correct.
  • To Express Necessity or Requirement: If something is essential or vital, precisar de (to need) is the appropriate verb. Querer implies a desire, not an absolute requirement.
  • Incorrect: *Eu quero dinheiro. (if meaning "I need money to pay rent").
  • Correct: Eu preciso de dinheiro. (I need money.)
  • Conversely, Eu quero um carro novo. (I want a new car) is a desire, not necessarily a need.
  • When Expressing Love (Deep Affection): As mentioned, Eu te quero carries a strong, often romantic or physical, desire. For expressing deep, non-physical affection or love, use amar.
  • Eu amo meus pais. (I love my parents.)
  • Eu amo você. (I love you - generally less intense than Eu te quero).

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently encounter specific challenges when integrating querer into their Portuguese. Being aware of these common pitfalls helps in avoiding them.
  • Over-regularization of você/ele/ela form: This is a very common error for beginners. Because many regular -er verbs end in -e for the third person singular (come, bebe), learners often incorrectly conjugate querer as *quere.
  • Incorrect: *Ele quere comer agora.
  • Correct: Ele quer comer agora. (He wants to eat now.)
  • Remember: the e is absent in quer.
  • Incorrect Directness in European Portuguese: As detailed, using Eu quero in EP for transactional requests can sound impolite. This is a pragmatic error, not a grammatical one, but it significantly impacts communication.
  • In EP, prefer Eu queria um café, por favor. or Gostaria de um café. over Eu quero um café..
  • Misinterpreting querer for gostar de: Confusing immediate desire with general preference leads to inaccurate statements.
  • Eu quero chocolate means "I want chocolate right now."
  • Eu gosto de chocolate means "I like chocolate in general."
  • Misinterpreting querer for precisar de: Using querer when precisar de is appropriate can soften an urgent need into a mere wish.
  • If you need a doctor: Eu preciso de um médico. (I need a doctor.)
  • Not: *Eu quero um médico. (which implies "I desire a doctor" in a non-urgent way).
  • Pronunciation of querem: The final -em ending in querem is a nasal diphthong, often mispronounced as a hard 'm' sound or a non-nasal vowel. In both BP and EP, it's a closed, nasal sound, similar to the ain in French pain (if nasalized) or the ing in English sing (without the hard 'g').
  • Practice: que-rem (nasal 'em'). Avoid que-remm or que-re.
  • Incorrect Use of Tu vs. Você Forms: The appropriateness of tu queres or você quer depends on the region. In most of Brazil, você quer is the standard singular "you" form. In Portugal, tu queres is common for informal address.
  • Be aware of your audience and region to choose between tu queres and você quer.

Memory Trick

To help you remember the key irregularity of querer, focus on the absence of the final e in the você/ele/ela form. Think of quer as a very direct, "cut-to-the-chase" verb. Many common irregular verbs in Portuguese exhibit this kind of phonetic simplification in their most frequent forms.

- The "ER" Rule: For você/ele/ela, just remember quer ends with ER, like the infinitive querer itself, but without the second e. It's almost as if the verb is impatient and just stops short.

- Visualize a "chopped off e" for quer. This directness aids memory.

Real Conversations

Observing querer in natural dialogue reveals its pragmatic flexibility and regional variations.

- Ordering in a Brazilian café:

- Customer: Bom dia! Eu quero um pão de queijo e um café, por favor. (Good morning! I want a cheese bread and a coffee, please.)

- Waiter: Mais alguma coisa? (Anything else?)

- Customer: Não, só isso. Obrigada! (No, just that. Thank you!)

- Inviting a friend to an event (BP):

- Friend 1: Oi! A gente vai no show do Caetano hoje. Você quer ir? (Hey! We're going to Caetano's concert today. Do you want to go?)

- Friend 2: Nossa, quero muito! Que horas? (Wow, I really want to! What time?)

- Expressing intent (EP):

- Colleague: O que é que tu queres fazer nas férias? (What do you want to do on vacation?)

- You: Eu quero viajar para o Alentejo, conhecer as praias. (I want to travel to Alentejo, get to know the beaches.)

- On social media (BP, casual):

- Eu só quero paz e um açaí agora. (I just want peace and an açaí right now.)

- Alguém quer assistir um filme? Tô com pipoca! (Anyone want to watch a movie? I have popcorn!)

- Making a mild suggestion (EP):

- Parent: Filho, queres ajuda com o trabalho de casa? (Son, do you want help with your homework?)

- Child: Sim, por favor! (Yes, please!)

These examples illustrate how querer is used across different registers and social contexts, highlighting its directness and adaptability.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Understanding querer is deepened by contrasting it with other verbs that express related concepts like ability, necessity, and general preference. This helps you choose the most appropriate verb for your precise meaning.

Querer (to want) vs. Poder (can, to be able to/may):
Querer expresses desire or intention.
Poder expresses ability, permission, or possibility. It allows you to ask if something is feasible or permitted.
Você quer ir ao cinema? (Do you want to go to the cinema? - Desire)
Você pode ir ao cinema? (Can you/Are you able to go to the cinema? - Ability/Permission)
They often appear together: Eu quero ir, mas não posso. (I want to go, but I can't.)
Querer (to want) vs. Precisar de (to need):
Querer implies a wish or desire, which is optional.
Precisar de implies a necessity or requirement, something indispensable. Precisar is always followed by the preposition de when referring to a noun or a verb in the infinitive (less common).
Eu quero um carro novo. (I want a new car - a desire.)
Eu preciso de um carro para trabalhar. (I need a car to work - a necessity.)
Notice the de after precisar. Querer does not use de before a direct object.
Querer (to want) vs. Gostar de (to like):
Querer indicates a specific desire for something at a particular moment or a specific action.
Gostar de expresses a general preference or enjoyment. It is always followed by the preposition de when referring to a noun or by an infinitive verb (without de before the verb, but de is often implicit or attached to the noun it modifies).
Eu quero café agora. (I want coffee right now.)
Eu gosto de café. (I like coffee in general.)
Eles gostam de ler. (They like to read.)
Querer (to want/desire) vs. Amar (to love):
While querer can sometimes convey a strong romantic desire (Eu te quero), amar is the standard verb for expressing love or deep affection towards people, places, or things.
Eu amo meus pais. (I love my parents.)
Eu amo o Brasil. (I love Brazil.)
Reserve Eu te quero for moments of intense, often passionate, romantic feeling.

Progressive Practice

1

To truly internalize querer and its nuances, engage in structured and contextualized practice.

2

- A1 Level - Basic Sentences:

3

- Start by conjugating querer mentally or in writing with various pronouns: Eu quero, Você quer, Nós queremos.

4

- Form simple sentences expressing desires for common objects: Eu quero pão., Ele quer água., Nós queremos estudar..

5

- Practice asking simple questions: Você quer café?, Eles querem sair?.

6

- A1/A2 Level - Expanding Context:

7

- Role-play ordering food or drinks in a café, practicing both Brazilian and European Portuguese polite forms. Pay attention to Eu quero vs. Eu queria.

8

- Write short dialogues inviting friends to activities using Você quer...? or Querem...?.

9

- Formulate sentences about future intentions: Eu quero aprender a cozinhar., Eles querem viajar para a praia.

10

- Focus on Irregularities:

11

- Consciously practice the quer form for você/ele/ela multiple times until it feels natural.

12

- Pay close attention to the nasal pronunciation of querem. Record yourself and compare it to native speakers.

13

- Differentiating with Other Verbs:

14

- Create pairs of sentences using querer vs. poder, querer vs. precisar de, and querer vs. gostar de to reinforce their distinct meanings.

15

- Example: Eu quero ir. (desire) vs. Eu posso ir. (ability) vs. Eu preciso ir. (necessity)

16

- Immersion and Observation:

17

- Listen for querer in Portuguese music, podcasts, and shows. Note how native speakers use it in various situations.

18

- Engage with native speakers and actively try to use querer in your conversations, asking for feedback on your usage and politeness.

Quick FAQ

Here are common questions regarding the verb querer, with concise and authoritative answers.
  • Q: Can I use Eu quero to order food in Brazil?
  • A: Yes, it is very common and generally accepted, especially when you add por favor (please) and maintain a polite tone. For example, Eu quero um suco de laranja, por favor.
  • Q: Do I always need to say the pronoun Eu (I)?
  • A: No. In Portuguese, the verb ending often indicates the subject, so pronouns are frequently omitted, especially in informal contexts. Quero água. is perfectly grammatical and common, with the -o clearly indicating Eu.
  • Q: Is querer used for objects and people?
  • A: Yes. You can querer an object (Quero um livro.) or a person (Quero você.). The context clarifies the specific nature of the desire (e.g., romantic, having someone present).
  • Q: What is the difference between quer and queres?
  • A: Quer is the form for você, ele, and ela (third-person singular). Queres is the form for tu (second-person singular). Tu queres is standard in European Portuguese and some parts of Brazil, while Você quer is the default singular "you" form in most of Brazil.
  • Q: How do I say "I would like" instead of "I want" for politeness?
  • A: In European Portuguese, Eu queria (the imperfect past of querer) or Eu gostaria (conditional of gostar) are commonly used to express "I would like" for politeness, especially when ordering. For instance, Eu queria um café, por favor.
  • Q: Does querer always mean "to want"?
  • A: Primarily, yes. However, when followed by an infinitive, it can express intention or a softer future meaning ("I intend to," "I'm going to"). In specific, often romantic, contexts, Eu te quero can mean "I desire you" strongly.

Present Indicative of Querer

Pronoun Conjugation
Eu
quero
Você/Ele/Ela
quer
Nós
queremos
Vocês/Eles/Elas
querem

Meanings

The verb 'querer' expresses desire, intention, or a polite request for goods and services.

1

Desire

Expressing a personal wish or goal.

“Eu quero viajar.”

“Ela quer um carro novo.”

2

Ordering

Politely requesting items in a commercial setting.

“Eu quero um suco, por favor.”

“O cliente quer a conta.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Verb Querer: Expressing Desire & Ordering (quer, querem)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Subject + Querer + Object
Eu quero café.
Negative
Não + Subject + Querer + Object
Eu não quero café.
Interrogative
Querer + Subject + Object?
Você quer café?
Short Answer
Sim/Não + (Subject) + Querer
Sim, eu quero.
With Infinitive
Subject + Querer + Verb
Eu quero comer.
Polite
Subject + Queria + Object
Eu queria um café.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Gostaria de uma água, por favor.

Gostaria de uma água, por favor. (Ordering in a restaurant)

Neutral
Eu quero uma água, por favor.

Eu quero uma água, por favor. (Ordering in a restaurant)

Informal
Quero uma água.

Quero uma água. (Ordering in a restaurant)

Slang
Manda uma água aí.

Manda uma água aí. (Ordering in a restaurant)

Uses of Querer

Querer

Desire

  • Eu quero I want

Ordering

  • Quero um suco I want a juice

Intent

  • Quero ir I want to go
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Examples by Level

1

Eu quero um café.

I want a coffee.

2

Você quer água?

Do you want water?

3

Eles querem pizza.

They want pizza.

4

Nós queremos sair.

We want to go out.

1

Eu não quero ir hoje.

I don't want to go today.

2

Você quer ver o filme?

Do you want to see the movie?

3

Elas querem comprar um carro.

They want to buy a car.

4

Quem quer vir comigo?

Who wants to come with me?

1

Eu queria um pouco de ajuda, se possível.

I would like a bit of help, if possible.

2

Não quero que você vá embora.

I don't want you to leave.

3

Eles querem que nós façamos o trabalho.

They want us to do the work.

4

Você quer mesmo fazer isso?

Do you really want to do this?

1

Se você quiser, podemos conversar depois.

If you want, we can talk later.

2

Eu não queria incomodar.

I didn't want to bother you.

3

O que você quer dizer com isso?

What do you mean by that?

4

Eles não querem ceder.

They don't want to give in.

1

Quem quer, arranja um jeito.

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

2

Não se quer o que não se conhece.

One doesn't want what one doesn't know.

3

Queria eu ter esse tempo livre.

I wish I had that free time.

4

Quer queira, quer não, temos que ir.

Whether you want to or not, we have to go.

1

O querer é o primeiro passo da ação.

Wanting is the first step of action.

2

Não me queiras mal.

Don't hold it against me.

3

Quer-se muito, mas faz-se pouco.

One wants a lot, but does little.

4

Ele quer-se fazer de vítima.

He wants to play the victim.

Easily Confused

Verb Querer: Expressing Desire & Ordering (quer, querem) vs Querer vs Desejar

Both mean to want, but have different registers.

Verb Querer: Expressing Desire & Ordering (quer, querem) vs Querer vs Poder

Learners mix up 'want' and 'can'.

Verb Querer: Expressing Desire & Ordering (quer, querem) vs Querer vs Gostaria

Both express desire.

Common Mistakes

✗

Eu quer

✓

Eu quero

The 'eu' form is irregular.
✗

Eles quer

✓

Eles querem

Plural requires the 'm' ending.
✗

Eu quero de café

✓

Eu quero um café

No preposition needed.
✗

Quero você ir

✓

Quero que você vá

Requires subjunctive clause.
✗

Você querem?

✓

Você quer?

Singular vs plural mismatch.
✗

Eu não quer

✓

Eu não quero

Negative doesn't change the verb.
✗

Nós quer

✓

Nós queremos

Nós form is regular.
✗

Eu quero que você vai

✓

Eu quero que você vá

Subjunctive required.
✗

Eu queria que você vai

✓

Eu queria que você fosse

Imperfect subjunctive required.
✗

Se eu quero

✓

Se eu quiser

Future subjunctive required.
✗

Quer queira, quer não quer

✓

Quer queira, quer não

Redundant negative.
✗

Ele quer-se de ir

✓

Ele quer ir

Reflexive error.
✗

Eu não quero que ele faz

✓

Eu não quero que ele faça

Subjunctive error.

Sentence Patterns

Eu quero ___.

Você quer ___?

Eu não quero que você ___.

Se você ___, eu vou.

Real World Usage

Restaurant constant

Eu quero a conta.

Texting very common

Quer sair?

Job Interview common

Eu quero crescer na empresa.

Travel common

Eu quero um bilhete.

Food App very common

Quero adicionar queijo.

Shopping common

Eu quero este aqui.

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💡

Politeness

Always add 'por favor' to soften your request.
⚠️

Irregularity

Don't guess the conjugation; memorize it.
🎯

Softening

Use 'queria' instead of 'quero' to sound more polite.
💬

Directness

In Brazil, 'querer' is very direct; use it with a smile.

Smart Tips

Use 'queria' to sound like a local.

Eu quero um café. → Eu queria um café, por favor.

Use 'gostaria' instead of 'quero'.

Eu quero ajuda. → Eu gostaria de ajuda.

Drop the 'Eu' for speed.

Eu quero ir. → Quero ir.

Remember the subjunctive.

Eu quero que ele vai. → Eu quero que ele vá.

Pronunciation

KEH-roo

Quero

The 'qu' sounds like 'k'.

KEH-reng

Querem

The 'em' at the end sounds like 'eng'.

Rising

Você quer? ↑

Questioning

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Quero, quer, queremos, querem. Remember the 'Q' for 'Quest' for what you want.

Visual Association

Imagine a person holding a giant 'Q' sign while pointing at things they want in a shop.

Rhyme

Eu quero, você quer, o que a gente quer?

Story

Maria walks into a bakery. She says 'Eu quero um pão'. The baker asks 'Você quer manteiga?'. Maria says 'Sim, eu quero'.

Word Web

queroquerqueremosqueremqueriaquiser

Challenge

Write 5 sentences about things you want to do today using 'Eu quero'.

Cultural Notes

Using 'queria' is very common to sound polite.

Directness is common, but 'gostaria' is preferred in formal settings.

Similar to Brazil, 'querer' is used directly.

From Latin 'quaerere' (to seek/ask).

Conversation Starters

“

O que você quer comer hoje?

“

Você quer viajar para onde?

“

O que você quer mudar na sua vida?

“

Você quer que o mundo mude?

Journal Prompts

Escreva 5 coisas que você quer comprar.
Descreva o que você quer fazer no fim de semana.
O que você quer que seus amigos façam?
Reflita sobre o que você quer para o seu futuro.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Conjugate 'querer' for 'Eu'.

___ um café.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quero
Eu takes 'quero'.
Select the correct form for 'Eles'. Multiple Choice

Eles ___ pizza.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: querem
Eles takes 'querem'.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Eu quer ir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu quero ir
Eu takes 'quero'.
Order the words. Sentence Building

café / eu / quero

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu quero café
Subject-Verb-Object.
What is the 'nós' form? Conjugation Drill

Nós ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: queremos
Nós takes 'queremos'.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Você quer ir? B: Sim, eu ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quero
Answering for self.
Match the pronoun to the verb. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quero/querem
Correct mapping.
Is 'querer' regular? True False Rule

O verbo querer é regular?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Falso
It is irregular.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Conjugate 'querer' for 'Eu'.

___ um café.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quero
Eu takes 'quero'.
Select the correct form for 'Eles'. Multiple Choice

Eles ___ pizza.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: querem
Eles takes 'querem'.
Fix the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Eu quer ir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu quero ir
Eu takes 'quero'.
Order the words. Sentence Building

café / eu / quero

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu quero café
Subject-Verb-Object.
What is the 'nós' form? Conjugation Drill

Nós ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: queremos
Nós takes 'queremos'.
Complete the dialogue. Dialogue Completion

A: Você quer ir? B: Sim, eu ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quero
Answering for self.
Match the pronoun to the verb. Match Pairs

Eu -> ?, Eles -> ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quero/querem
Correct mapping.
Is 'querer' regular? True False Rule

O verbo querer é regular?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Falso
It is irregular.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

Você ___ ir ao parque hoje?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quer
Complete the sentence. Fill in the Blank

Eles ___ comprar uma casa nova.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: querem
Match the subject to the correct verb form. Match Pairs

Match the pairs.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Eu -> quero","Ela -> quer","N\u00f3s -> queremos","Tu -> queres"]
Identify the error. Error Correction

Eu quer falar com o gerente.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu quero falar com o gerente.
Put the words in the correct order. Sentence Reorder

pizza / Nós / comer / queremos

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nós queremos comer pizza
Translate 'They want to dance' to Portuguese. Translation

They want to dance.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eles querem dançar.
Which is the correct polite form in Portugal? Multiple Choice

Ordering coffee in Lisbon politely:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu queria um café.
Complete with the correct nasal ending. Fill in the Blank

As crianças ___ brincar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: querem
Fix the conjugation. Error Correction

Tu quer sair?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tu queres sair?
Unscramble the question. Sentence Reorder

o que / você / fazer / quer / ?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O que você quer fazer?
Select the correct form for 'We'. Multiple Choice

___ um Brasil melhor.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Queremos
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Maria e João ___ viajar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: querem

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

No, it is irregular.

Say 'Eu quero'.

Mostly, but use 'gostaria' for politeness.

It is 'querem'.

Yes, it is standard.

'Queria' is softer.

Yes, 'Eu quero comer'.

Not if you add 'por favor'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

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4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Querer

Stem change in Spanish is 'ie' (quiero), Portuguese is 'e' (quero).

French moderate

Vouloir

French uses 'vouloir', Portuguese uses 'querer'.

German moderate

Wollen

German 'wollen' is a modal verb, Portuguese 'querer' is a full verb.

Japanese low

Hoshii

Portuguese uses a verb, Japanese uses an adjective.

Arabic moderate

Arada

Arabic conjugation is much more complex.

Chinese low

Yào

Chinese verbs do not conjugate.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
The Verb PODER: Can, May, & Ability

Continue With

B1 Requires

The Verb 'Querer' in the Past (quis): Tried vs. Wanted

Overview The verb `querer` (to want) is fundamental, but its past tense usage reveals a critical distinction that separa...
B1 Requires

Polite Requests and Past Desires (Querer in Imperfect)

Overview Mastering polite communication is a hallmark of fluency in any language, and Portuguese is no exception. The ve...
B1 Requires

Future Intentions: 'Will Want' (Querer no Futuro)

Overview The simple future tense of the verb `querer` (`querer no futuro`), meaning **'to want'**, serves as a fundament...

Related Grammar Rules

A1

Portuguese -ER Verbs: The Present Tense (comer, beber)

Overview Portuguese regular verbs are categorized into three groups based on their infinitive endings: `-ar`, `-er`, and...
A1

Portuguese Verb SER: Who You Are (to be - permanent)

Overview The Portuguese verb `ser` is one of two fundamental verbs translating to 'to be' in English. It describes **inh...
A1

Present Tense: Regular -IR Verbs (Opening & Deciding)

Overview The Portuguese language organizes its verbs into three primary conjugations: those ending in `-ar`, `-er`, and...
A1

Portuguese Verb 'Ter' (To Have/Age)

Overview In Portuguese, the verb `ter` is foundational, much like "to have" in English. However, its usage extends signi...
A1

The Verb 'Fazer': To Do and To Make

Overview The Portuguese verb `fazer` is a fundamental and highly versatile verb, serving as the equivalent of both "to d...
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