Meaning
States a desire or wish.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'Eu quero' is often used without 'Eu'. Just saying 'Quero um...' is very common and not considered rude in casual settings. Portuguese people value 'educação' (politeness) highly. Using 'Queria' (I wanted) instead of 'Quero' is a sign of good upbringing. In Luanda, 'Eu quero' is used directly, but often accompanied by 'mambo' (thing/stuff) in slang. Similar to Portugal, formal addresses are common, but 'Eu quero' is used frequently in the vibrant markets (mercados).
Drop the 'Eu'
To sound more like a native, drop the 'Eu' and just say 'Quero'. It's faster and very natural.
The 'Que' Rule
If you want someone else to do something, you must say 'Eu quero QUE...'. Never say 'Eu quero você fazer'.
Meaning
States a desire or wish.
Drop the 'Eu'
To sound more like a native, drop the 'Eu' and just say 'Quero'. It's faster and very natural.
The 'Que' Rule
If you want someone else to do something, you must say 'Eu quero QUE...'. Never say 'Eu quero você fazer'.
Politeness in Portugal
If you are in Lisbon, try using 'Queria' instead of 'Quero' to get a warmer response from staff.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'querer'.
Eu ______ um suco de laranja, por favor.
The first person singular form of 'querer' in the present tense is 'quero'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to order in a fancy restaurant?
Choose the best option:
'Eu gostaria' is the conditional form, which is more polite than the direct 'Eu quero'.
Complete the dialogue.
Amigo: Você quer ir ao cinema? Você: Sim, eu ______ ir.
You are responding about your own desire in the present.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Eu quero um café. 2. Eu quero que você estude. 3. Eu te quero.
1 is for service, 2 uses the subjunctive for others, 3 is for romance.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ um suco de laranja, por favor.
The first person singular form of 'querer' in the present tense is 'quero'.
Choose the best option:
'Eu gostaria' is the conditional form, which is more polite than the direct 'Eu quero'.
Amigo: Você quer ir ao cinema? Você: Sim, eu ______ ir.
You are responding about your own desire in the present.
1. Eu quero um café. 2. Eu quero que você estude. 3. Eu te quero.
1 is for service, 2 uses the subjunctive for others, 3 is for romance.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot usually in Brazil, but it can be in Portugal. Adding 'por favor' (please) always helps.
Yes, but 'Eu te quero' implies romantic or sexual desire. Use 'Eu quero falar com você' for neutral situations.
'Quero' is 'I want' (present), 'Queria' is 'I wanted/would like' (polite).
No. Just say 'Eu quero' followed by the verb. 'Eu quero comer'.
Related Phrases
Eu gostaria
similarI would like
Eu preciso
similarI need
Eu pretendo
specialized formI intend
Eu desejo
synonymI desire
Eu amo
contrastI love
