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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" :) |
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