¿te puedo hacer una pregunta?
The English phrase "can I ask you a question?" is translated into Spanish as ¿te puedo hacer una pregunta?
This phrase is a polite way to ask for permission to ask someone for information or an opinion.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Can I make you a question?" because the verb hacer (to make/do) is used in this construction instead of preguntar (to ask).
Which one should you use?
While English uses the verb "to ask", this Spanish idiomatic expression uses hacer to form the phrase.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice of pronoun determines the level of formality and the number of people you are addressing. Use te to refer to an informal "you". In a formal context or when speaking to someone you do not know well, replace te with le to say ¿le puedo hacer una pregunta? To ask permission to address a group of people, replace te with les to say ¿les puedo hacer una pregunta?
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿le puedo hacer una pregunta? is used as a social 'buffer' to soften a request that might otherwise seem too direct or intrusive.
- In Old Spanish, the verb hacer was actually spelled and pronounced as fazer, before the 'f' evolved into a silent 'h'.
- In highly formal Spanish settings, such as legal or academic environments, people may avoid ¿te puedo hacer una pregunta? and instead use ¿me permitiría hacerle una consulta? to be even more respectful.
Examples in context
- ¡Disculpe! ¿Puedo hacerle una pregunta sobre el informe?Excuse me! Can I ask you a question about the report?
- Oye, ¿te puedo hacer una pregunta sobre la película que vimos ayer?Hey, can I ask you a question about the movie we saw yesterday?
- Buenas tardes, señor Martínez. ¿Podría hacerle una pregunta sobre el nuevo proyecto?Good afternoon, Mr. Martínez. Could I ask you a question about the new project?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are working together in an office.
- ElenaDaniel, ¿te puedo hacer una pregunta?Daniel, can I ask you a question?
- DanielClaro, Elena. Dime.Of course, Elena. Tell me.
- Elena¿Sabes dónde está el archivo?Do you know where the file is?
- DanielSí, está en tu escritorio.Yes, it is on your desk.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hacer, pregunta, te, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
