¿podemos pedir?
In Spanish, the phrase "can we get" is expressed as ¿podemos pedir?
The phrase ¿podemos pedir? is used to signal to a server in a restaurant that your group is ready to place an order.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "Can we order?" rather than a literal translation of "can we get?" The word podemos is the first-person plural form of the verb poder, meaning "to be able to" or "can".
Which one should you use?
While ¿podemos pedir? translates to "Can we order?", you may also use Nos trae… which means "Bring us…" when actually requesting specific items. If you wish to be very formal, you can use ¿Sería posible conseguir? (would it be possible to get) or ¿Se nos podría proporcionar? (a formal way to ask for something to be provided).
Did you know?
- While pedir means 'to order' in a restaurant, it is also the word used to 'propose' marriage. To ask for someone's hand in marriage is pedir la mano.
- Spanish has a distinct difference between pedir, which is to request something, and preguntar, which is to ask a question. Using preguntar to order food would sound like you are interviewing the server.
- Avoid using ¿podemos conseguir? to mean 'can we get'. In a restaurant setting, this can sound like you are questioning whether the kitchen is physically capable of making the food.
Examples in context
- ¿Podríamos obtener una copia de ese informe, por favor?Could we get a copy of that report, please?
- ¿Sería posible conseguir una cita con el gerente?Would it be possible to get an appointment with the manager?
- ¿Se nos podría proporcionar información adicional sobre el proyecto?Could we get additional information about the project?
- ¿Podemos conseguir unos boletos para el concierto?Can we get tickets for the concert?
- ¿Nos dan una vuelta al centro comercial?Can we get a ride to the mall?
- ¿Nos pueden traer un poco más de agua, por favor?Can we get some more water, please?
