¿me da una bolsa?
The English phrase "can I have a bag?" is translated into Spanish as ¿me da una bolsa?
This phrase is a request used to ask a shop assistant for a bag to carry purchased items.
Which one should you use?
You can also use ¿Me puedes dar una bolsa, por favor? for an informal tone. If you want to be formal, you can use ¿Podría darme una bolsa, por favor? or ¿Me podría proporcionar una bolsa, por favor?
Did you know?
- While bolsa means 'bag' in a shop, it is also the specific word used across the Spanish-speaking world to refer to the 'stock market'.
- The word bolsa shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'purse' and the term 'burse', both originating from the Late Latin 'bursa'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, asking for una bolsa may result in the clerk asking you if you have your own, as many regions have strict bans on single-use plastic bags.
Examples in context
- Oye, ¿me puedes dar una bolsa, por favor?Hey, can you give me a bag, please?
- Sí, claro. ¿Quiere una bolsa grande o pequeña?Yes, of course. Do you want a large or small bag?
- Si compro esto, ¿me da una bolsa?If I buy this, can you give me a bag?
Example conversation
Javier is finishing his purchase at a small grocery store.
- JavierHola, ¿me da una bolsa?Hello, can I have a bag?
- MaríaSí, claro. ¿Necesita algo más?Yes, of course. Do you need anything else?
- JavierNo, eso es todo. Gracias.No, that is all. Thank you.
- MaríaDe nada. Que tenga un buen día.You're welcome. Have a nice day.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bolsa, me, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
