queira/queiras/queira/queiramos/queiram

Subjuntivo De Querer

Level 3

The present subjunctive forms of querer (to want) are: queira, queiras, queira, queiramos, queiram. It is used in dependent clauses after triggers of desire or doubt, and as a formal 'please'.

How It Works

The verb querer is highly irregular in Portuguese. In the present subjunctive, it shifts to the stem queir- followed by the standard -er verb subjunctive endings (-a, -as, -a, -amos, -am).

1. Subordinate Desire:
In Portuguese, when you want someone else to do something, you must use querer que followed by the subjunctive. For example: 'Eu quero que você queira ficar' (I want you to want to stay).

2. Triggers:
It is triggered by expressions of:

  • Will/Desire: Desejo que ele queira vir. (I desire that he wants to come.)
  • Doubt: Duvido que eles queiram participar. (I doubt they want to participate.)
  • Impersonal Phrases: É importante que você queira aprender. (It is important that you want to learn.)

3. The Formal Imperative:
In very formal settings (hotels, formal letters, or ceremonies), queira acts as a polite command meaning 'Please be so kind as to...'.
Example: Queira sentar-se, por favor. (Please [be so kind as to] take a seat.)

Examples (4)

  1. Espero que você queira ir à festa conosco.

    I hope that you want to go to the party with us.

    Word by Word: I hope that you want to go to the party with us.

    The verb 'esperar' (to hope) triggers the subjunctive 'queira' because it expresses a wish.

  2. Queira aceitar nossas sinceras desculpas.

    Please accept our sincere apologies.

    Word by Word: Want to accept our sincere apologies.

    Here, 'queira' is used as a highly formal imperative, common in professional correspondence.

  3. Não acho que eles queiram comer agora.

    I don't think they want to eat now.

    Word by Word: Not I think that they want to eat now.

    Negative opinions like 'não acho que' trigger the subjunctive to show uncertainty.

  4. É uma pena que ela não queira falar sobre isso.

    It's a shame that she doesn't want to talk about it.

    Word by Word: It is a pity that she not wants to talk about that.

    The impersonal expression 'é uma pena que' expresses an emotion/judgment, triggering the subjunctive.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the indicative 'quer' after 'querer que'.

    Eu quero que você quer vir.
    Eu quero que você queira vir.

    In English, we say 'I want you TO want'. In Portuguese, you must use 'que' + the subjunctive form 'queira'.

  • Confusing 'queira' with 'queria'.

    Espero que você queria um café.
    Espero que você queira um café.

    'Queria' is the past/polite indicative (I would like), while 'queira' is the subjunctive. Use 'queira' after triggers like 'espero que'.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

queira/queiras/queira/queiramos/queiramLevel 3Subjuntivo De Querer

Learn This First

To understand 'queira', learners first need to be familiar with the regular present subjunctive endings for -ER verbs. Additionally, familiarity with the irregular nature of the verb 'querer' in the past tense and other irregular subjunctive forms like 'tenha' helps in recognizing the stem change.

Words in This Pattern

querer