Meaning
To express a desire or a wish for something.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, being direct with 'Eu quero' is common, but it's often softened with 'por favor' or 'por gentileza'. The tone of voice is usually rising and friendly. Portuguese people value the 'Imperfect of Politeness'. Using 'Eu queria' instead of 'Eu quero' makes you sound much more educated and respectful. In Luanda, formal address is very important. You might hear 'Eu quero' followed by 'minha senhora' or 'meu senhor' to show respect. Mozambican Portuguese often incorporates a very melodic intonation. 'Eu quero' might be used more sparingly in favor of 'Estou a precisar' (I am needing).
The 'Por Favor' Rule
Always add 'por favor' after 'Eu quero' to avoid sounding demanding, especially in Brazil.
No 'To' Allowed
Never say 'Eu quero para [verb]'. It's just 'Eu quero [verb]'.
Meaning
To express a desire or a wish for something.
The 'Por Favor' Rule
Always add 'por favor' after 'Eu quero' to avoid sounding demanding, especially in Brazil.
No 'To' Allowed
Never say 'Eu quero para [verb]'. It's just 'Eu quero [verb]'.
The Portugal Hack
If you are in Portugal, change 'quero' to 'queria' to immediately sound like a local.
Body Language
In Brazil, pointing while saying 'Eu quero' is common and not considered rude if accompanied by a smile.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'querer' for 'I'.
Eu ______ um suco de abacaxi.
For the pronoun 'Eu', the correct present tense conjugation is 'quero'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I want to sleep'?
Choose the correct option:
In Portuguese, you don't use a preposition (like 'to' in English) between 'quero' and the infinitive verb.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Phrase: 'Eu gostaria de uma informação, por favor.'
'Eu gostaria' is formal and polite, perfect for official or professional settings.
Complete the dialogue at the restaurant.
Garçom: O que o senhor deseja? Você: ________ o prato do dia.
'Eu quero' is the standard way to state your choice from a menu.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Politeness Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ um suco de abacaxi.
For the pronoun 'Eu', the correct present tense conjugation is 'quero'.
Choose the correct option:
In Portuguese, you don't use a preposition (like 'to' in English) between 'quero' and the infinitive verb.
Phrase: 'Eu gostaria de uma informação, por favor.'
'Eu gostaria' is formal and polite, perfect for official or professional settings.
Garçom: O que o senhor deseja? Você: ________ o prato do dia.
'Eu quero' is the standard way to state your choice from a menu.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNot necessarily, but it's direct. In Brazil, it's standard; in Portugal, 'Eu queria' is preferred for politeness.
No, Portuguese is a pro-drop language. You can just say 'Quero um café'. The 'Eu' is implied by the 'o' ending.
'Quero' is 'I want' (present). 'Queria' is 'I wanted' (imperfect), but used as a polite 'I would like'.
Be careful! 'Eu te quero' is romantic/sexual. To say you want someone to do something, use 'Eu quero que você...'.
Just add 'não' before the verb: 'Eu não quero'.
It's just 'Eu quero'. No 'de' is needed after this verb.
Just say 'Você quer?' with a rising question intonation.
Yes! 'Eu quero ser médico' (I want to be a doctor) is perfectly correct.
It's 'Nós queremos' (We want).
Because 'querer' is an irregular verb. The 'e' at the end is dropped for 'você/ele/ela'.
It's more formal. Use it in restaurants if you want to be very polite, or in business.
Yes, you can say 'Eu quero ter um carro' or just 'Eu quero um carro'.
Related Phrases
Eu preciso
similarI need
Eu gostaria
specialized formI would like
Eu amo
builds onI love
Eu prefiro
similarI prefer
Eu desejo
synonymI desire
