Quero que você

This phrase is a 'trigger' phrase. When you say Quero que você, the next verb must be in the Subjunctive mood. For example, fazer (to do) becomes faça. If you use the normal present tense, it will sound 'off' to locals. It is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Just remember: Quero que você + [Subjunctive Verb]. It sounds technical, but you will get the hang of it quickly.

You can use this in almost any daily interaction. Use it when asking a friend for a favor. Use it when giving instructions to a colleague. It is perfect for texting someone a quick request. At a restaurant, you might use it to tell a waiter how you want your steak. It is the 'Swiss Army Knife' of Portuguese requests. It bridges the gap between a command and a soft suggestion.

Avoid using this with people of very high authority unless you add por favor. Without a polite tone, it can sound a bit demanding. Do not use it if you are just talking about yourself. If you want to do something, just say Eu quero + [Infinitive]. For example, Eu quero comer (I want to eat). You only need the que você part when another person is involved in the action.

Brazilians and Portuguese people value indirectness in different ways. In Brazil, being too direct can sometimes feel 'dry' or cold. Using Quero que você is standard, but adding a smile or a 'please' goes a long way. Interestingly, in Portugal, people might use the person's name instead of você to show more respect. It reflects the warm, relational nature of Lusophone cultures. We focus on the connection between people, not just the task.

If you want to be softer, use Eu queria que você (I would like you to). This is the 'polite' cousin of our main phrase. In very informal settings, you might hear Quero que tu in parts of Portugal or Southern Brazil. You can also drop the Eu at the start. Just saying Quero que você... is perfectly natural and very common in fast-paced city life.