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Spanish Lessons!
Can anyone help me?
I'm studying Pimsluer Spanish at work at the moment and a phrase I would like to use is "Can I have ......." The course so far has given "I want", "Give me", "Is there" which all seem inappropriate. What is the correct phrase for asking for something in a shop/restaurant etc. I could always ask someone when I get home but Im too impatient for that and need to push on with the course. Thanks in advance leckytech :) |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
If you want to speak Spanish like the Spanish then the phrases they are giving you are correct - you cannot just translate English into Spanish and expect it to work, what might seem abrupt/rude to us is everyday Spanish and how it is spoken.
However if you want to do it your way try: Puedo yo tener |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by leckytech
(Post 7842801)
Can anyone help me?
I'm studying Pimsluer Spanish at work at the moment and a phrase I would like to use is "Can I have ......." The course so far has given "I want", "Give me", "Is there" which all seem inappropriate. What is the correct phrase for asking for something in a shop/restaurant etc. I could always ask someone when I get home but Im too impatient for that and need to push on with the course. Thanks in advance leckytech :) me pide - me pone querÃa quiero ponme póngame dame déme |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by spainrico
(Post 7842816)
If you want to speak Spanish like the Spanish then the phrases they are giving you are correct - you cannot just translate English into Spanish and expect it to work, what might seem abrupt/rude to us is everyday Spanish and how it is spoken.
However if you want to do it your way try: Puedo yo tener edit the more I think about that the more I can't believe or understand why you would tell someone something so completely wrong:frown: why:confused: |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Yes this was dificult when I started learning. I found the trick was to use the polite version of the imperitive. This is the most polite way you can ask for things in Spanish. For example:
"Me cobras" por favor "Me traes la cuenta por favor" "Me das" la camisa con rayas "Me pones" un gin tonic por favor (or "me pongas" if you want to be super-polite use the subjunctive - I think....) This is better than using the imperitive i.e. ponme, dame, cobrame, traeme. Politeness in Spanish is all down to the tone of voice, a slight inclination towards the end of the sentence suggests that you are not being demanding. Foreign people can annoy Spaniards by shouting out imperitives in an agressive tone :) |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by cricketman
(Post 7842834)
Yes this was dificult when I started learning. I found the trick was to use the polite version of the imperitive. This is the most polite way you can ask for things in Spanish. For example:
"Me cobras" por favor "Me traes la cuenta por favor" "Me das" la camisa con rayas "Me pones" un gin tonic por favor (or "me pongas" if you want to be super-polite use the subjunctive - I think....) This is better than using the imperitive i.e. ponme, dame, cobrame, traeme. Politeness in Spanish is all down to the tone of voice, a slight inclination towards the end of the sentence suggests that you are not being demanding. Foreign people can annoy Spaniards by shouting out imperitives in an agressive tone :) |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by lynnxa
(Post 7842843)
when I'm teaching I tend to find that the less words a student needs to learn the better - reminding them as you say, about a pleasant tone of voice & a questioning lilt - I call it the 'aussie lift'
I was lucky enough to have my university summer holidays in Spain at my parents. Mainly consited of watching the cricket and learning Spanish from my books. Then I spent 1 month on an intensive course and all the theory clicked into place. Since, then I've not looked at a book again, just put myself in situations where I need to speak and listen |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by lynnxa
(Post 7842821)
don't be mean:frown:
edit the more I think about that the more I can't believe or understand why you would tell someone something so completely wrong:frown: why:confused: |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by cricketman
(Post 7842850)
The only person I have taught is myself :)
I was lucky enough to have my university summer holidays in Spain at my parents. Mainly consited of watching the cricket and learning Spanish from my books. Then I spent 1 month on an intensive course and all the theory clicked into place. Since, then I've not looked at a book again, just put myself in situations where I need to speak and listen usually along the lines of 'do you remember when we learned.....................................? well, that's called the.......................... & you can use the same method/idea/construction to say.......................................' a groan went up when I said 'verb' the other day! it's the difference between teaching them how to manage on a day to day basis & how to pass an exam - they're not going to be taking any exams, so it really doesn't matter if it's called the subjunctive/imperative/preterite/simple tense/compound tense/whatever! |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by Mitzyboy
(Post 7842871)
I think the OP wanted the direct translation of "Can I have"
and it's not what spainrico put anyway:( |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by lynnxa
(Post 7842876)
most of my students don't know or want to know anything about grammar - I teach them how to say something & sneak the grammar in when they're not looking!
usually along the lines of 'do you remember when we learned.....................................? well, that's called the.......................... & you can use the same method/idea/construction to say.......................................' a groan went up when I said 'verb' the other day! it's the difference between teaching them how to manage on a day to day basis & how to pass an exam - they're not going to be taking any exams, so it really doesn't matter if it's called the subjunctive/imperative/preterite/simple tense/compound tense/whatever! Yes I agree, I'm sure the grammer thing is what makes so many un-academic people give up. If the goal is for them to get by at the shops then there is no need to teach the grammer If the goal is to eventual speak fluent Spanish, grammer has to form the basis. There is no other way in Spanish as the subtleties between the conjugation of verbs make all the difference. |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by lynnxa
(Post 7842880)
I don't think so though - and if he did you wouldn't use that phrase in a restaurant or a shop, as I think he realises
and it's not what spainrico put anyway:( If he used it and people didnt understand him then he would become very dispondent |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by cricketman
(Post 7842882)
Yes I agree, I'm sure the grammer thing is what makes so many un-academic people give up.
If the goal is for them to get by at the shops then there is no need to teach the grammer If the goal is to eventual speak fluent Spanish, grammer has to form the basis. There is no other way in Spanish as the subtleties between the conjugation of verbs make all the difference. one day when I have time......................... |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by cricketman
(Post 7842884)
I agree with lynnxa. The OP cant go around sayin Puedo yo tener... it makes absolutely no sense.
If he used it and people didnt understand him then he would become very dispondent |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by lynnxa
(Post 7842880)
I don't think so though - and if he did you wouldn't use that phrase in a restaurant or a shop, as I think he realises
and it's not what spainrico put anyway:( |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by cricketman
(Post 7842884)
I agree with lynnxa. The OP cant go around sayin Puedo yo tener... it makes absolutely no sense.
If he used it and people didnt understand him then he would become very dispondent well they might understand him.......................the words anyway but they'd be wondering what he really wanted it just doesn't work (most of the time) translating word for word puedo tener - literally means 'can I have' - but you just wouldn't use it in a shop or a restaurant I can only think on one situation.......... my kids would say '¿puedo tener un wii?' if they want one for a chrissy pressy |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by Mitzyboy
(Post 7842895)
Wasn't that Spainrico's point. That you cant just translate English into Spanish as it often wont make sense
maybe - but I got the impression that he was offering it up as a translation anyway he didn't say it wasn't right for the situation - & it wasn't really spanish in any case
Originally Posted by Mitzyboy
(Post 7842897)
Now if you and me get into a discussion about the Spanish language ..... err ..... :eek::eek:
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Re: Spanish Lessons!
I've just had a look at the online info for the course
http://www.pimsleurapproach.com/learn-spanish.asp it seems to follow my approach:thumbsup: |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Wow!
Jeez! Why so complicated? I think Lynnxa hits it on the nose with all that she has said. I am only beginning to learn Spanish and frankly at the moment I'm only interested in getting by at the shops and restaurants. Start talking about past participles, etc sends a shiver through me, I don't even know what they are but still manage to get by in English. My question was really just that. I didn't know if the direct translation was appropriate or not. Saying "I want a or give me a beer" in English anyway is obviously not polite etc. My little brain has found the posts above confusing and I was sort of hoping for a straight answer. So if I can ask Lynnxa, what is the equivalent of Can I have.... in Spanish please Thanks for everyones input |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by Mitzyboy
(Post 7842871)
I think the OP wanted the direct translation of "Can I have"
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Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by leckytech
(Post 7843050)
Wow!
Jeez! Why so complicated? I think Lynnxa hits it on the nose with all that she has said. I am only beginning to learn Spanish and frankly at the moment I'm only interested in getting by at the shops and restaurants. Start talking about past participles, etc sends a shiver through me, I don't even know what they are but still manage to get by in English. My question was really just that. I didn't know if the direct translation was appropriate or not. Saying "I want a or give me a beer" in English anyway is obviously not polite etc. My little brain has found the posts above confusing and I was sort of hoping for a straight answer. So if I can ask Lynnxa, what is the equivalent of Can I have.... in Spanish please Thanks for everyones input puedo tener = can I have - but you wouldn't use it in a restaurant or a shop quiero - I want - acceptable in either situation - needs a por favor really querÃa = I would like (kereeeeah) - more polite and useful in almost any situation - and doesn't need the por favor karma accepted;) |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by leckytech
(Post 7843050)
Wow!
Jeez! Why so complicated? I think Lynnxa hits it on the nose with all that she has said. I am only beginning to learn Spanish and frankly at the moment I'm only interested in getting by at the shops and restaurants. Start talking about past participles, etc sends a shiver through me, I don't even know what they are but still manage to get by in English. My question was really just that. I didn't know if the direct translation was appropriate or not. Saying "I want a or give me a beer" in English anyway is obviously not polite etc. My little brain has found the posts above confusing and I was sort of hoping for a straight answer. So if I can ask Lynnxa, what is the equivalent of Can I have.... in Spanish please Thanks for everyones input Litterally these mean, give me a beer, get me a beer and bring me a beer. Changing the verb conjugation makes it more polite. You can say "Quiero una cerveza" if you like, but its a bit strange and a little impolite unless you are answering a particular question from the barman. It is important you get the concept that you cannot just translate English phrases, otherwise learning Spanish will get frustrating for you |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by cricketman
(Post 7843127)
Your Q can not be given a simple answer which is why I replied the way I did. If I were going to order a beer I would say "Me das una cerveza", "Ponme una cerveza" or "Me traes una cerzeva"... por favor
Litterally these mean, give me a beer, get me a beer and bring me a beer. Changing the verb conjugation makes it more polite. You can say "Quiero una cerveza" if you like, but its a bit strange and a little impolite unless you are answering a particular question from the barman. It is important you get the concept that you cannot just translate English phrases, otherwise learning Spanish will get frustrating for you but he can say 'QuerÃa una cerveza' and it's not impolite - they'll not be offended & they'll know exactly what he means - and yes, you'll hear spanish people saying it, too there are so many ways of saying things in all languages - he's just starting out & needs a 'cover all' |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by lynnxa
(Post 7843065)
it depends on the situation - sorry!
puedo tener = can I have - but you wouldn't use it in a restaurant or a shop quiero - I want - acceptable in either situation - needs a por favor really querÃa = I would like (kereeeeah) - more polite and useful in almost any situation - and doesn't need the por favor karma accepted;) As in "quisiera una patata asada sin aceitunas". I used to get a few good humoured laughs for the shop assistants as the term I used was way too formal, at least they knew I was making the effort! All these reasons and complexities are important after all. Imagine if you went to a bar in England and said "Barman, get me a beer". He's probably throw you out! :) |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by lynnxa
(Post 7843137)
but he can say 'QuerÃa una cerveza' and it's not impolite - they'll not be offended & they'll know exactly what he means - and yes, you'll hear spanish people saying it, too
there are so many ways of saying things in all languages - he's just starting out & needs a 'cover all' |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
I am so looking forward to learning some spanish when we come over in october, esp since when i lst came to spain i believe I said something to the affect of asking a waitress was SHE hot instead of the milk for my coffee.............:o
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Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by Jaques2go
(Post 7843165)
I am so looking forward to learning some spanish when we come over in october, esp since when i lst came to spain i believe I said something to the affect of asking a waitress was SHE hot instead of the milk for my coffee.............:o
or 'can you poo on my mobile phone please?' |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by leckytech
(Post 7843050)
Wow!
Jeez! Why so complicated? I think Lynnxa hits it on the nose with all that she has said. I am only beginning to learn Spanish and frankly at the moment I'm only interested in getting by at the shops and restaurants. Start talking about past participles, etc sends a shiver through me, I don't even know what they are but still manage to get by in English. My question was really just that. I didn't know if the direct translation was appropriate or not. Saying "I want a or give me a beer" in English anyway is obviously not polite etc. My little brain has found the posts above confusing and I was sort of hoping for a straight answer. So if I can ask Lynnxa, what is the equivalent of Can I have.... in Spanish please Thanks for everyones input Hahahahaha! Then you SO came to the wrong place. :rofl: British Expats does not specialise in straight answers!! If you are not interested in learning grammar then why complicate you life? Just say: Una cerveza (+por favor if you want to be reeeealy polite). Un café con leche. Dos zumos de naranja. No need for any grammar at all in the shops...this is PERFECTLY acceptable and not at all impolite. Keep it simple. As Cricketman says, "quisiera" is the mega polite way to say "I would like". You'll sound really British if you use that in your local shop, especially if you tag a "por favor" on the end. Way OTT. The literal translation of "Can I have" which has been translated as "Puedo tener...." I would translate back into English as meaning "Can I have your permission to have....". Appropriate for Lynxxa's kids asking for a wii. Very strange in a shop, although they would understand you I'm sure. |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
[QUOTE=Veleta;7843170]Un café con leche..............
- not forgetting - forgive spelling as i have no idea, mucaliente - which is what i believe I asked the if the waitress was in my quest to get hot milk...... |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
:thumbsup: Agree with Veleta
Straight answers are very convenient, but you won't end up learning anything, just another way of saying something that is "nearly right" :) |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
So ........... 31 posts to arrive at:
Una cerveza por favor :rofl::rofl: |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by cricketman
(Post 7843183)
:thumbsup: Agree with Veleta
Straight answers are very convenient, but you won't end up learning anything, just another way of saying something that is "nearly right" :)
Originally Posted by Mitzyboy
(Post 7843192)
So ........... 31 posts to arrive at:
Una cerveza por favor :rofl::rofl: it would do for a tourist - but he wants to learn something:D |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
next question!!:thumbsup:
|
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by Mitzyboy
(Post 7843192)
So ........... 31 posts to arrive at:
Una cerveza por favor :rofl::rofl: |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by Veleta
(Post 7843216)
A good lesson in why you should NEVER NEVER NEVER use an online translator.
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Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by Veleta
(Post 7843216)
A good lesson in why you should NEVER NEVER NEVER use an online translator.
but then I don't suppose you really need one |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by Mitzyboy
(Post 7843218)
Lynnxa is an online translator :D
I actually sat down to prepare next weeks group lessons got a bit sidetracked..................................:o |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by lynnxa
(Post 7842819)
me pide -
Also, even more polite "quisiera" or "querrÃa". |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by Tele Addict
(Post 7844443)
What's the context there? I don't get it. Can he order me? What am I missing?
Also, even more polite "quisiera" or "querrÃa". As the OP is a beginner, Keep it Simple, is deffo best. 'A beer please', with a smile, is going to be understood and appreciated by anyone. |
Re: Spanish Lessons!
Originally Posted by bil
(Post 7844451)
Third person singular, he, she or Ud. Using Ud is always pretty safe, as it's polite.
As the OP is a beginner, Keep it Simple, is deffo best. 'A beer please', with a smile, is going to be understood and appreciated by anyone. BTW, do people in Cadiz really call a waiter usted? |
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