aș dori
Polite Requests with Aș Dori
Aș dori is the polite version of vreau (I want). It is used in restaurants, shops, and formal situations to make requests sound respectful.
How It Works
In Romanian, using the present indicative vreau (I want) with strangers or service staff can sound demanding or even rude. To navigate social interactions smoothly, Romanians use aș dori.
1. Formation
It is formed by combining a specific auxiliary verb (derived from a avea) with the infinitive dori:
- eu aș dori (I would like)
- tu ai dori (you would like - singular informal)
- el/ea ar dori (he/she would like)
- noi am dori (we would like)
- voi ați dori (you would like - plural/formal)
- ei/ele ar dori (they would like)
2. Usage with Nouns
You can follow the expression directly with a noun to request an object. For example: Aș dori o cafea (I would like a coffee).
3. Usage with Actions
To express something you want to do, the usual everyday construction is the să construction after the verb. For example: Aș dori să plătesc (I would like to pay).
4. Pronunciation Note
The auxiliary aș is pronounced /aʃ/ (like 'ash'). The final 'i' in dori is a full vowel sound /i/, not the short, whispered 'i' often found at the end of Romanian words.
Examples (5)
- Aș dori o cafea, vă rog.
I would like a coffee, please.
Word by Word: I would wish a coffee, you please.
This is the standard, polite way to order in a café using a noun.
- Aș dori să rezerv o masă.
I would like to reserve a table.
Word by Word: I would wish that (I) reserve a table.
When requesting an action, use 'să' followed by the subjunctive form of the next verb.
- Ce ați dori să comandați?
What would you like to order?
Word by Word: What would (you) wish that (you) order?
This is the formal 'you' (plural/polite) form used by waiters or staff.
- Aș dori nota de plată.
I would like the bill.
Word by Word: I would wish the note of payment.
A polite way to ask for the check at the end of a meal.
- Am dori două bilete la film.
We would like two tickets to the movie.
Word by Word: We would wish two tickets at the movie.
The 'noi' (we) form used when making a request for a group.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the auxiliary 'aș'.
Dori o apă.Aș dori o apă.The verb 'dori' cannot stand alone to mean 'would like'; it requires the conditional auxiliary 'aș'.
Confusing 'aș dori' with the simple past 'dorii'.
Eu dorii o cafea.Eu aș dori o cafea.'Dorii' is the literary simple perfect (I desired). For a polite request, the usual everyday construction is the auxiliary 'aș' + infinitive 'dori'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'aș dori' effectively, you need to recognize the base verb 'a dori' (to wish/want), understand that Romanian often drops subject pronouns, and be familiar with basic polite markers used in similar social contexts.
- Present of -i Verbs
The verb 'a dori' is a regular -i verb; understanding its base form is necessary to recognize it in the conditional mood.
Level 1 - Dropping Subject Pronouns
The phrase 'aș dori' typically omits the subject pronoun 'eu', a common feature of Romanian verb usage.
Level 1 - te rog / vă rogPlease
These are foundational polite markers that are functionally used alongside 'aș dori' to form complete polite requests.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- The Present Conditional
'Aș dori' is a specific application of the present conditional mood used for politeness.
Level 3 - să + Present SubjunctiveThe Să Construction
The usual everyday complement for an action is să plus a conjugated verb; infinitive complements also occur in literary usage.
Level 2 - dumneavoastrăPolite You
Polite requests often involve the formal 'you' pronoun and its corresponding verb forms.
Level 1 - a vrea + să-ClauseVreau Să
Similar to 'aș dori', the verb 'a vrea' also requires a 'să' clause for following actions.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice aș dori in Bubblegum
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