I'M HUNGRY!
How to order food and not die trying
I want (Quiero)
- I want a coffee. – Quiero un café.
- I want to have a coffee. – Quiero tomar un café.
Although this expression might not be the best in other languages, such as English, it works very well in Spanish. If you add “por favor” (please), you deliver a direct yet respectful message.
I would like (Me gustaría)
- I would like a coffee. – Me gustaría un café.
- I would like to have a coffee. – Me gustaría tomar un café.
This expression sounds more polite than the first, but that is not a problem; you can use it wherever you need and you will sound very natural and kind.
Give me… please (Dame… por favor)
- Give me a salad, please. – Dame una ensalada, por favor.
This expression is very direct, but also common. It is frequently used, easy to remember, and very versatile.
For me… (Para mí…)
- For me, a hamburger. – Para mí una hamburguesa.
If you are ordering right after someone else, you can say “Para mí” and then the meal or drink you want. Very useful and very easy.
Quick Practice Exercises:
You are at a local cafe and want to order a tea directly but politely. (Hint: Use “Quiero…”)
You want to sound extra courteous to a waiter in a fine dining restaurant. (Hint: Use “Me gustaría…”)
Your friend just ordered a taco, and now it’s your turn to order a burrito. (Hint: Use “Para mí…”)
Try the restaurant at OLSA - The Garage Bar!
Practice ordering with The Garage Bar menu, here!
