Queria vs. Gostaria: Make Polite Requests in Brazilian Portuguese
Although queria literally refers to wanting in the past, it is a common polite request opener in Brazilian Portuguese.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
In a café or shop, queria + noun is a common way to say “I’d like…”: queria um café, por favor. The verb is in the imperfect form, but here it softens a present request rather than describing a past desire.
Use queria for a warm everyday request
You may also hear queria + infinitive when requesting an action. Tone and please matter too: polite language does not depend on one verb alone.
Queria um café com leite, por favor.
I’d like a coffee with milk, please.
Queria marcar um horário para amanhã.
I’d like to book a time for tomorrow.
Queria saber se vocês aceitam cartão.
I’d like to know whether you accept cards.
Choose gostaria when you want a more formal tone
Gostaria de is another polite option and can sound a little more formal or careful, especially in customer-service situations and writing. Both forms are useful; you do not need to make every request sound formal.
After gostaria, include de before an infinitive or noun phrase: gostaria de falar (I’d like to speak) and gostaria de uma informação (I’d like some information).
Gostaria de falar com a recepção.
I’d like to speak with reception.
Gostaria de confirmar a reserva.
I’d like to confirm the reservation.
Queria só tirar uma dúvida.
I just wanted to ask one question.
Put it into practice
Use queria for a friendly everyday request and gostaria de when a more careful tone suits the situation. Add por favor when it feels natural.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I’d like a coffee with milk, please”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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