Don’t Say “Me Gustaría” [10 Better Alternatives in Spanish]

In Spanish, “me gustaría” is used as a way to ask for things. It is used to talk about desires and is used as a polite expression. “Me gusta” means “I like,” while “me gustaría” means “I would like” and uses the conditional form of the verb gustar.

If you’re currently studying Spanish you’ve likely seen this phrase used in Spanish textbooks In English, you commonly use this phrase when you order at restaurants. While the same applies in Spanish, it’s used in other situations too.

For example, “este año me gustaría ir a España” means, “this year I’d like to go to Spain.” 

In this example, “me gustaría” expresses a wish to visit Spain. The phrase does not mean that the trip is impossible or difficult; it can express an ordinary desire as well. The Instituto Cervantes examples of expressing wishes show this broader use. 

At a restaurant, “me gustaría” can express a polite request, including a choice from a fixed menu.

The conditional is one way to soften a request; it does not require the available options to be unknown. See the Instituto Cervantes explanation of polite requests. 

For me, a native speaker, “me gustaría” sounds formal in many everyday restaurant situations. That is a preference about tone, rather than a grammatical restriction imposed by the menu. 

For example, “me gustaría un vino tinto” — I would like a red wine — is a polite way to state what you want. You can also name a particular wine or menu item; the phrase does not require an unspecified range of possibilities.

To help clarify this phrase in greater detail, this post will highlight when to use it, when not to use it, and some other phrases you can use instead.

First, let’s go over some alternatives to “me gustaría.”

1. Me da… / Me das…

Me da (formal) or me das (informal) means “give me.” This may sound overly direct, but this phrase is perfectly acceptable if you add the ever important “por favor” (please). For help choosing between them, see our guide to tú and usted.

Saying this phrase with a rising intonation is vital to clarify that you are asking a question and not making a demand. 

• Formal: ¿Me da… por favor? – Can you please give me?
• Informal: ¿Me das… por favor? – Can you please give me?

2. Me trae / Me traes

This one means “bring me” in Spanish. Like “me da,” it can sound quite direct. So be sure to add “por favor” (please) at the end.

• Formal: ¿Me Trae…, por favor? (Can you please bring me?)
• Informal: ¿Me Traes…, por favor? – (Can you please bring me?)

3. Lo / La / Te molesto con

Now, this next phrase is not as common as other phrases that we have covered in our videos and articles, but to Mexican ears, there are very few phrases that sound as nice and polite as this one. 

• ¿Lo (formal, speaking to a man) molesto con…? 

• ¿La (formal, speaking to a woman) molesto con…?
• ¿Te (informal) molesto con…?

These all mean “Can I bother you for…?” 

You can use this phrase when ordering extra things that you need.

For example: 

• ¿Te / Lo / La molesto con un poco más de café? – Can I bother you for a little bit more coffee? 

4. Voy a querer

The following phrase is widespread and simple. Though it might sound a little bit weird in English:

• “Voy a querer” – I’m going to want…”

Example: Voy a querer los chilaquiles verdes, por favor. – I’m going to want the green chilaquiles, please.

5, 6, & 7. Quiero / Deme, Dame / Tráigame, Tráeme

These next phrases are ones that we don’t often use in Mexico, but you must know as you may encounter them in your travels:

• Quiero – I want 
• Deme – Give me (formal)
• Dame – Give me (informal)
• Tráigame – Bring me (formal)
• Tráeme – Bring me (informal)

These phrases are not common in Mexico, especially in restaurants because they sound way too demanding. That said, they are often used in more informal, day-to-day situations. For example, at a taco stand (or any food take-out place). Essentially, they’re used for quick transactions. 

As with all other phrases on this list, it’s important to add “por favor.” 

For example, if you are at a taco stand, let the person ask you what you want. Then, you can respond, “¿Me da unos tacos, por favor?” (Can you please give me some tacos?)

That way, you sound less demanding.

8. Le encargo / Te encargo

This phrase is extremely common in most of Mexico and parts of Guatemala, but is not often heard in other Spanish-speaking countries. Le encargo (formal) or te encargo (informal) means, “Can you bring me…?” or “Can I get..?”

This phrase is rarely found in Spanish textbooks but it is a must know if you plan to travel in Mexico. You can use it for anything you need at a restaurant. For example: 

• ¿Le encargo una limonada? – Can you bring me a lemonade?
• ¿Te encargo otro tenedor? – Can you bring me another fork?

9. Va a ser / Van a ser

This next phrase has its singular and plural form.

• Singular: Va a ser… – It’s going to be…
• Plural: Van a ser… – It’s going to be…

These phrases are used when you order more than one thing at a time. Basically the difference between ordering a juice (singular), and ordering four margaritas (plural). There’s “va” (singual) and “van” (plural). You’ll use “Va a ser” when the first thing you order is a singular noun, for example: 

• “Va a ser una torta vegetariana y un jugo de naranja.” – It’s going to be a vegetarian torta and an orange juice.

You’ll use “Van a ser” when the first thing you are ordering is a plural noun, for example: 

• “Van a ser dos quesadillas y un licuado de fresa.” – It’s going to be two quesadillas and a strawberry smoothie.

10. Para mí

This last phrase is very easy and simple, “Para mí” means “for me.” You use this when you are eating with another person and it is your turn to order. For example: 

Para mí va a ser un pozole rojo y un guacamole. – For me, it’s going to be a red pozole and guacamole.

Learning how to use these specific phrases will help you deliver your message appropriately. While textbooks cover the basics, you can deepen your vocabulary by implementing these common phrases. Not only will it improve your Spanish, but it will make your interactions feel more local and natural. Being polite and delivering words in the right tone is always important when speaking a new language too. It will go a long way to helping you fit in and be welcomed by native speakers as you travel and explore and improve your Spanish! 

Ready to use these phrases at a restaurant? Follow our guide to ordering food in Spanish, from asking for a table to requesting the check.