Portuguese Phrase
Quero pedir o jantar.
Meaning
Literally, “I want to order the dinner.” The speaker is telling a waiter (or the person taking the order) that they would like to place their dinner order. It’s a direct, polite way to signal the next step in a meal service.
When to use
Use this phrase in a restaurant, café, or when ordering food over the phone. It works well when you have already looked at the menu and are ready to tell the server what you’d like for the main evening meal.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Queropedirojantar
Quero (querer)
‘Quero’ is the first‑person singular present of the verb ‘querer’ (to want). It is used to express a personal desire.
Pedir (infinitive)
‘Pedir’ is an infinitive verb meaning ‘to order’ or ‘to ask for’. After ‘querer’, the infinitive follows directly.
Definite article ‘o’
‘o’ is the masculine singular definite article, required before a specific noun like ‘jantar’.
Jantar (noun)
In this context ‘jantar’ is a noun meaning ‘dinner’. It can also be a verb (to have dinner) but here it functions as a noun.
🗨In Conversation
Quero pedir o jantar.
I’d like to order dinner.
Claro, o que vai querer?
Sure, what would you like?
✕Common Mistakes
Quero pedir jantar.
The definite article ‘o’ is required before ‘jantar’ when you refer to a specific dinner.
Quero pedir o janta.
‘Janta’ is a colloquial abbreviation; in a polite restaurant setting you should use the full noun ‘jantar’.
Quero pedir o jantar, por favor.
While adding ‘por favor’ is polite, placing it after the sentence can sound redundant; it’s more natural to say ‘Por favor, quero pedir o jantar.’
↔Alternatives
Gostaria de pedir o jantar.
I would like to order the dinner.
Posso pedir o jantar?
May I order the dinner?
Vou pedir o jantar.
I’m going to order the dinner.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil dinner is usually served later than in many other countries, often between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. When you say “Quero pedir o jantar,” it’s courteous to add a ‘por favor’ before or after the sentence. Also, many restaurants will ask if you’d like a drink first, so be ready for a follow‑up question like “Quer beber algo?” (Would you like something to drink?).