Solicitaria que
Literally: Would solicit that
Use this phrase when you want to sound professional, educated, and respectful while making a specific request.
In 15 Seconds
- A polite, formal way to request something in professional settings.
- Always requires the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
- Perfect for emails, bureaucracy, and complaining with class.
Meaning
This is a very polite and sophisticated way to say 'I would like to request that.' It uses the conditional tense to soften a demand into a professional suggestion.
Key Examples
3 of 6Writing a formal email to a client
Solicitaria que revisasse o contrato até amanhã.
I would request that you review the contract by tomorrow.
Dealing with a bank manager
Solicitaria que verificassem este erro na minha conta.
I would ask that you (plural) check this error on my account.
Asking a neighbor to be quiet (polite but firm)
Solicitaria que fizessem menos barulho após as 22h.
I would request that you make less noise after 10 PM.
Cultural Background
This phrase stems from the Iberian tradition of using the conditional mood to show deference to authority or to maintain social harmony. It is particularly common in administrative and legal contexts in both Brazil and Portugal, where formal address is a sign of mutual respect.
The Subjunctive Secret
Always pair this with the subjunctive. If you use the indicative, you'll sound like a robot with a glitch.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this at a bakery to buy bread, the baker will look at you very strangely. Keep it for the office!
In 15 Seconds
- A polite, formal way to request something in professional settings.
- Always requires the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
- Perfect for emails, bureaucracy, and complaining with class.
What It Means
Solicitaria que is your ultimate 'polite power' phrase. It comes from the verb solicitar, which is a fancy version of pedir (to ask). By using the conditional tense, you are being incredibly indirect. It sounds like you are suggesting a possibility rather than barking an order. It translates roughly to 'I would like to request that' or 'I would ask that.'
How To Use It
You must follow this phrase with a verb in the Present Subjunctive. This is because you are expressing a wish or a request for someone else to do something. For example: Solicitaria que você assinasse (I would request that you sign). It acts as a buffer. It makes the person you are talking to feel respected. Think of it as putting on a tuxedo before asking for a favor.
When To Use It
Use this in professional emails or formal meetings. Use it when you are dealing with bureaucracy in Portugal or Brazil. It is perfect for when you need to complain but want to stay classy. If a hotel loses your reservation, this phrase is your best friend. It shows you are educated and expect high-quality service. It is also great for written reports or official letters.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this with your best friends. If you say Solicitaria que me passasses o sal at dinner, they will think you have joined a cult. It is too stiff for a casual bar setting. Avoid it with your siblings or your partner unless you are being intentionally sarcastic. It feels cold in intimate settings. Stick to podes or faz-me um favor for the people you love.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture often values 'educação' (politeness/manners) over directness. Being too direct can be seen as aggressive or 'rude.' This phrase reflects the Latin love for complex grammar to show social status. In Brazil, it is used to navigate the 'jeitinho'—the social maneuvering. In Portugal, it is part of the traditional 'protocolo.' It is a linguistic shield that protects everyone's feelings while getting things done.
Common Variations
You might hear Gostaria de solicitar que for even more padding. Some people use Queria solicitar que in a slightly more spoken formal style. In very stiff legal documents, you might see Vimos solicitar que. However, Solicitaria que remains the gold standard for a clean, professional, and slightly distant request. It is the 'black tie' of Portuguese requests.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits at a high formality level. It requires the subjunctive mood and is primarily used in written communication or high-stakes professional negotiations.
The Subjunctive Secret
Always pair this with the subjunctive. If you use the indicative, you'll sound like a robot with a glitch.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this at a bakery to buy bread, the baker will look at you very strangely. Keep it for the office!
The 'Jeitinho' Buffer
In Brazil, using formal language like this can actually help you get things done faster because it signals you are someone who knows the rules.
Examples
6Solicitaria que revisasse o contrato até amanhã.
I would request that you review the contract by tomorrow.
The subjunctive 'revisasse' follows the request.
Solicitaria que verificassem este erro na minha conta.
I would ask that you (plural) check this error on my account.
Very effective for getting attention without being rude.
Solicitaria que fizessem menos barulho após as 22h.
I would request that you make less noise after 10 PM.
Sets a boundary while maintaining a neighborly distance.
Solicitaria que vossa excelência lavasse a louça hoje.
I would request that Your Excellency wash the dishes today.
Using formal language for humor to highlight their laziness.
Solicitaria que me informasse sobre os documentos necessários.
I would request that you inform me about the necessary documents.
Greases the wheels of bureaucracy.
Solicitaria que considerassem o meu pedido com carinho.
I would ask that you consider my request with care.
Adds an emotional weight to a formal plea.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct subjunctive form of the verb 'enviar' (to send).
Solicitaria que você ___ o relatório hoje.
After 'Solicitaria que', we use the imperfect subjunctive (enviasse) to maintain the formal, conditional tone.
Choose the best context for using 'Solicitaria que'.
___ seria apropriado em:
This phrase is specifically designed for formal writing and professional interactions.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
The Politeness Scale
Asking a friend
Faz isso pra mim?
Standard request
Pode fazer isso?
Professional request
Gostaria que fizesse...
Administrative/Diplomatic
Solicitaria que...
When to deploy 'Solicitaria que'
Bank/Legal
Correcting an error
Work Email
Asking for a deadline
Hotel/Service
Requesting a room change
Official Letter
Applying for a permit
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsRarely. It is mostly reserved for formal writing or very serious professional discussions.
Peço is 'I ask' (direct), while Solicitaria is 'I would request' (indirect and much more formal).
Yes, if the relationship is formal or if you are making a significant request like a salary review.
Absolutely. It is standard formal Portuguese in both countries.
Usually the Imperfect Subjunctive, like fizesse or viesse, to match the conditional solicitaria.
It's not rude, but it's very weird. It sounds like you're treating your friend like a government employee.
Yes! It is the perfect way to complain while sounding like a sophisticated person who shouldn't be messed with.
It's similar, but Solicitaria feels slightly more official and 'high-level' than Gostaria de pedir.
Forgetting the 'que' or using the wrong verb ending after it, like saying Solicitaria que você faz instead of fizesse.
Yes, especially in corporate culture and legal environments where tone is everything.
Related Phrases
Gostaria de
I would like to
Peço a gentileza de
I ask the kindness of (very polite)
Se possível
If possible
Ficaria grato se
I would be grateful if
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