Subjunctive in querer

Question

I looked at the comments regarding quería and querría . But I do not see anyone asking abut Quisiera as I translation for "I would like". Would that also be translated in the present.

Also, I thought that when the speaker says what she would like, that part of the sentence would not be subjunctive.Although, I think that when an English speaker says "I would like you to .. . ." as opposed to "I want you to..." the former is softer, I just have a lot of trouble with the subjunctive and to be sure I understand this part of it

Accepted Answer

Hola Charles
This use of subjunctive in "Quisiera" is one that has no explanation -it is simply one way to ask politely. The other formulas for this: querría and quería are not subjunctive forms but "quisiera" is. 
In terms of being more or less polite, these 3 forms as equally polite and would be the equivalent to "May I...please? "Could I...please? " as opposed to the more direct and not necessarily polite: "Quiero... , por favor"
I hope this clarified it.
Saludos
Inma