A past form can make a present request sound less direct.

The idea

In a present request, quería expresses a wish politely and podía or podías can soften a question. Context tells you the request is current.

Examples

  • Quería una mesa junto a la ventana.I would like a table by the window.
  • ¿Podía darme un vaso de agua?Could you give me a glass of water?
  • Queríamos consultar el horario de mañana.We would like to check tomorrow’s timetable.
  • ¿Podías abrir la puerta, por favor?Could you open the door, please?
  • Quería hacer una pregunta sobre el curso.I would like to ask a question about the course.
  • ¿Podían enviarnos el menú por correo?Could you send us the menu by email?

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not assume that every imperfect refers to the past: a request made to someone now may concern the present.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the polite imperfect form. ___ reservar una mesa para esta noche. (quería / quise)

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    quería

    quería politely expresses the speaker’s present wish to reserve.

  2. Choose the polite imperfect form. ¿___ ayudarme con esta caja, por favor? (podías / pudiste)

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    podías

    podías addresses one familiar person and softens the request for help.

  3. Choose the polite imperfect form. ___ pedir dos billetes para mañana. (queríamos / quisimos)

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    queríamos

    queríamos makes the reservation request on behalf of the group.

Use it today

Ask for a seat and request help with a bag.