In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to make requests without sounding bossy.
- Always pair it with the subjunctive mood for the following verb.
- Ideal for restaurants, offices, and emails to strangers.
Meaning
This is a polite, softened way to say 'I would like to ask that'. It uses the conditional tense to sound less demanding and more respectful when making a request.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a restaurant
Gostaria de pedir que nos traga a conta, por favor.
I would like to ask that you bring us the bill, please.
In a business meeting
Gostaria de pedir que todos desliguem os microfones.
I would like to ask that everyone turns off their microphones.
Texting a neighbor
Gostaria de pedir que você não estacione na frente do portão.
I would like to ask that you don't park in front of the gate.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'Queria' instead of 'Gostaria' to sound slightly more approachable while still being polite. 'Gostaria' can sometimes feel like a 'wall' of formality. In Portugal, using 'Gostava' (Imperfect) is the most common way to be polite. It is considered very elegant and slightly less 'stiff' than the conditional in spoken language. Formal Portuguese in Angola often follows the European standard but with a unique melodic intonation. 'Gostaria' is highly respected in administrative and governmental contexts. In the Lusophone business world, directness is often equated with lack of education. Using 'Gostaria de pedir que' is a way to show you are 'bem-educado' (well-mannered).
The Subjunctive Secret
Always pair 'que' with the subjunctive. If you find the subjunctive hard, use 'para' + infinitive instead (e.g., 'pedir para você fazer').
Don't forget the 'DE'
English speakers often say 'Gostaria pedir', but in Portuguese, the 'de' is the glue that holds the phrase together.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite way to make requests without sounding bossy.
- Always pair it with the subjunctive mood for the following verb.
- Ideal for restaurants, offices, and emails to strangers.
What It Means
Gostaria de pedir que is your magic key for polite requests. It literally means "I would like to ask that." Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a gentle knock on a door. It takes the edge off a direct command. It transforms a blunt "do this" into a respectful invitation.
How To Use It
You follow this phrase with a verb in the present subjunctive. This is the most important rule to remember. For example, if you want someone to wait, use que você espere. The structure is: Gostaria de pedir que + [person] + [subjunctive verb]. It sounds sophisticated but feels very natural in daily speech. It shows you respect the other person's time and agency.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you need something from someone you don't know well. It is perfect for restaurants when asking for the bill. Use it at the office when requesting a file from a colleague. It works great in emails to keep a professional yet warm tone. Even with friends, use it when you are asking for a significant favor. It makes you sound like a very well-mannered person.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this with your best friend for something tiny. Asking Gostaria de pedir que você me passe o sal sounds like you're in a period drama. It’s too stiff for a casual BBQ. Avoid it in emergencies where speed is more important than politeness. If a car is coming, don't be polite—just yell! Also, avoid it if you are actually giving an order as a boss and need to be firm.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture places a high value on social harmony and 'saving face.' Being too direct can sometimes be perceived as aggressive or 'mal-educado' (rude). Using the conditional gostaria (I would like) creates a psychological distance. It suggests that the request is a preference, not a demand. This 'softening' is a hallmark of Brazilian and Portuguese social etiquette. It’s how people navigate bureaucracy without causing friction.
Common Variations
You can swap pedir for solicitar to sound even more formal. In business emails, you might see Gostaria de solicitar que. If you want to be slightly more direct but still polite, use Queria pedir que. The word queria is technically the imperfect, but in Portugal and Brazil, it’s used as a polite present. For a very soft touch, try Eu gostaria apenas de pedir que, adding 'just' to minimize the request further.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits firmly in the formal to neutral register. It is the 'gold standard' for being polite without being overly subservient.
The Subjunctive Secret
Always pair 'que' with the subjunctive. If you find the subjunctive hard, use 'para' + infinitive instead (e.g., 'pedir para você fazer').
Don't forget the 'DE'
English speakers often say 'Gostaria pedir', but in Portuguese, the 'de' is the glue that holds the phrase together.
The 'O Senhor' Rule
When using this phrase with someone older or in a higher position, replace 'você' with 'o senhor' or 'a senhora' for maximum respect.
Email Magic
Start your formal emails with this phrase to immediately signal that you are a high-level, respectful communicator.
Examples
6Gostaria de pedir que nos traga a conta, por favor.
I would like to ask that you bring us the bill, please.
A classic, polite way to end a meal.
Gostaria de pedir que todos desliguem os microfones.
I would like to ask that everyone turns off their microphones.
Standard etiquette for virtual meetings.
Gostaria de pedir que você não estacione na frente do portão.
I would like to ask that you don't park in front of the gate.
Polite way to address a conflict without starting a fight.
Gostaria de pedir que o senhor revisasse minha nota.
I would like to ask that you (sir) review my grade.
Shows high respect for authority using 'o senhor'.
Gostaria de pedir que o senhor gato parasse de miar às 3 da manhã.
I would like to ask that Mr. Cat stops meowing at 3 AM.
Using formal language with a pet for comedic effect.
Gostaria de pedir que você me ouvisse com atenção agora.
I would like to ask that you listen to me carefully right now.
Softens a serious conversation to avoid defensiveness.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'fazer' in the subjunctive.
Gostaria de pedir que você _______ (fazer) o favor de fechar a janela.
The phrase 'Gostaria de pedir que' requires the Present Subjunctive.
Which sentence is the most professional for an email to a boss?
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct polite formula and the respectful 'o senhor'.
Match the situation with the correct request.
Match the following:
All pairs are correctly matched for their respective contexts.
Complete the dialogue with the missing words.
Cliente: Gostaria ____ pedir ____ você me ajudasse com esta mala.
The standard structure is 'Gostaria de pedir que'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Gostaria vs. Queria vs. Gostava
Practice Bank
4 exercisesGostaria de pedir que você _______ (fazer) o favor de fechar a janela.
The phrase 'Gostaria de pedir que' requires the Present Subjunctive.
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct polite formula and the respectful 'o senhor'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched for their respective contexts.
Cliente: Gostaria ____ pedir ____ você me ajudasse com esta mala.
The standard structure is 'Gostaria de pedir que'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's usually too formal. With friends, just say 'Pode...' or 'Faz um favor...'. Using it with friends might sound like you're being sarcastic.
'Pedir que' is more formal and requires the subjunctive. 'Pedir para' is more common in speech and uses the infinitive.
Yes, they are used for the same purpose, but 'Gostaria' is slightly more formal/elegant, especially in writing.
Yes, after 'gostaria' and before another verb, the 'de' is mandatory.
Because you are expressing a wish or influence over someone else's actions, which triggers the subjunctive mood in Portuguese.
You would say 'Gostaria de pedir um café.' You don't need 'que' if you are asking for an object, only if you are asking for an action.
Yes, but they often say 'Gostava de pedir que' instead.
Only if it's a formal text, like to a landlord or a new client.
People will still understand you, but you will sound like a beginner. It's better to use 'pedir para' if you're unsure.
It depends on what you want. 'Seja' for permanent traits, 'Esteja' for temporary states (e.g., 'Gostaria de pedir que você esteja presente').
Related Phrases
Queria pedir que
similarI wanted to ask that
Gostava de pedir que
similarI liked to ask that
Solicito que
specialized formI request that
Peço que
builds onI ask that
Seria possível
synonymWould it be possible
