Ok all you spanish experts I need some help. I keep trying to learn the language on my own with frequent trips to Spain to help me along. Can I get your opinion on the following three phrases. I would like to know the suttle diffrences (English equivlent) and intensity levels of the following:
Quiero verte
Me gustaría verte
Tengo ganas de verte.

Are they all about the same or is one stronger then the other.

Hi--I'll add to this my constant question about how I should say, "I would like" when ordering food or asking for an item in a shop. I feel like "quiero" might be too blunt, but any of the other forms seem really wishy-washy or overly formal.

Thanks!

taravb, I use me gustaria or quisiera. Are these the forms you thought might be too wishy washy? The ia form (conditional) translates nicely for any would statement in English, so the question that came before yours (sorry, I forgot the author of the letter :() would work well with me gustaria verte.

[ 01-24-2002: Message edited by: la maestra ]

Hi!

Quiero verte=I want to see you (strong desire)
Me gustaría verte=I would like to see you (more educated)
Tengo ganas de verte=I feel I want to see you (friendly)

Perhaps the translations are not the best

Think that in english you normally use much more twists to sound more educated and respectful. Spanish is more blunt and we don't twist that much the language to show courtesy.

For example, if you are in a restaurant and want a bacon burger and a salad you will say:
-"Quiero una ensalada de primero y una bacon burger de segundo por favor" And that will be enough respectful and educated (though it translates into "I want a salad first and a bacon burger following, please"). Probably in english you will use something as "I would like a bacon burger and a salad, please".

Fernando