Verb QUERER (to want)

In Portuguese, verbs change based on who is doing the action. This is called conjugation. Querer is an irregular verb in the present tense. This means it does not follow the standard rules for -er verbs. Most verbs keep their stem, but querer likes to be different. It changes its spelling in the "I" form and the "he/she" form. Think of it like a grammar traffic light. Sometimes it is green and easy. Sometimes it is yellow and you need to slow down. But once you learn the pattern, it becomes second nature. You will mostly use it followed by a noun or another verb. It is very straightforward once you see the patterns.

1. 1To use querer, you need to match it to the person speaking. Here is how you build it step-by-step:
2. 2Start with the subject (I, you, we, etc.).
3. 3Use the specific form of querer for that person.
4. 4Add what you want (a thing or an action).
5. 5For "I" (Eu), use quero. Notice the "o" at the end.
6. 6For "You/He/She" (Você/Ele/Ela), use quer. This is very short!
7. 7For "We" (Nós), use queremos. This sounds like the original verb.
8. 8For "They/You all" (Eles/Elas/Vocês), use querem. Pronounce that "m" softly.
9. 9Yes, even native speakers find the short quer form funny at first. It feels like half a word! But it is perfectly correct. Just remember: Eu quero, Você quer.

Use querer whenever you have a desire or a goal. It works in many real-world scenarios.

• Ordering Food: Walk into a bakery and say Eu quero um pão de queijo. It is simple and direct.
• Asking Directions: If you are lost, tell someone Quero ir para o centro. They will know your goal.
• Job Interviews: You can express your ambition. Say Quero trabalhar nesta empresa. It shows confidence.
• Socializing: Ask a friend Você quer sair hoje?. It is the best way to make plans.
• Shopping: Tell the clerk Quero ver aquela camisa. It helps you get what you need.

It is a very versatile verb. You can use it with objects (Eu quero água) or with actions (Eu quero beber). It is like a Swiss Army knife for your Portuguese.

There are times when querer might be a bit too strong.

• Extreme Politeness: In a very fancy restaurant, quero might sound a bit demanding. Use gostaria (I would like) instead. Think of querer as "I want" and gostaria as the polite cousin.
• Physical Needs: If you are dying of thirst, you might say preciso de água (I need water). Querer is about desire; precisar is about necessity.
• Obligations: Don't use querer if you have to do something. Use ter que (to have to). You might not *want* to pay taxes, but you *have* to.

One big mistake is adding the word de after querer. In English, we say "I want of..." wait, no we don't! But in Portuguese, some verbs need de. Querer does NOT.

• Wrong: Eu quero de café.
• Right: Eu quero café.

Another mistake is using the wrong form for você. Many people say você quero. That is like saying "You wants" in English. Always pair você with quer.

Also, watch the pronunciation of querem. The "m" at the end sounds like a nasal "ng" sound. Don't close your lips too tight! It is a subtle sound, like a soft hum.

Let's compare querer with gostar (to like).

• Eu gosto de café means you enjoy coffee in general.
• Eu quero café means you want a cup of coffee right now.

Notice that gostar needs the word de, but querer does not. This trips up many learners!

Also, compare it with poder (can/may).

• Eu quero ir means "I want to go."
• Eu posso ir means "I am able to go."

Sometimes you want to go, but you can't. Grammar reflects life, doesn't it?