¿podemos ir a nadar?
The English phrase "can we go swimming?" is translated into Spanish as ¿podemos ir a nadar?
This phrase can be used both as a request for permission (asking a parent or guardian) and as a suggestion (asking a friend).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb poder (can/to be able to), ir (to go) and the infinitive nadar (to swim).
Which one should you use?
Using the conditional form ¿Podríamos ir a nadar? instead of ¿podemos ir a nadar? makes the request sound more polite or tentative.
Is it said differently in some regions?
¿Podríamos ir a nadar, por favor? is used in Spain.
Did you know?
- The verb ir is so irregular that its different forms actually come from three different Latin verbs: īre, vādere and esse.
- While nadar means 'to swim', the phrase echarse un chapuzón is a popular idiomatic way to suggest a quick, refreshing dip in the water.
- The English word 'navigate' and the Spanish verb nadar share a distant ancestral connection through the Proto-Indo-European root for 'swimming' or 'floating'.
Examples in context
- ¿Podríamos ir a nadar, por favor?Could we go swimming, please?
- Me preguntaba si podríamos ir a nadarI was wondering if we could go swimming.
- ¿Nos echamos un chapuzón?Shall we take a plunge? or Shall we dive in?
- Hace mucho calor, ¿podemos ir a nadar?It is very hot, can we go swimming?
- Hace calor, ¿podemos ir a nadar?It is hot, can we go swimming?
- Si el agua está limpia, ¿podemos ir a nadar?If the water is clean, can we go swimming?
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at a hotel during their vacation.
- LucíaMateo, hace mucho calor, ¿podemos ir a nadar?Mateo, it is very hot, can we go swimming?
- MateoSí, Lucía, me parece una excelente idea.Yes, Lucía, I think it is an excellent idea.
- Lucía¡Qué bien! ¿Llevas las toallas?Great! Are you bringing the towels?
- MateoNo, yo las busco en la maleta.No, I will look for them in the suitcase.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, ir, nadar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
