¿Podemos pedir comida?
The English phrase "can we order food" is expressed in Spanish as ¿Podemos pedir comida?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of podemos (we can), pedir (to ask for/to order) and comida (food).
How does it change in a sentence?
If you add the definite article la before comida to say ¿Podemos pedir la comida?, the meaning changes from ordering food in general to ordering a specific meal or set menu.
Did you know?
- While pedir means to order food, it also means 'to ask for' a favor or a hand in marriage. Using it in a restaurant is simply a specific application of requesting something.
- In Spain, it is common to order several raciones or small plates to share among the table rather than ordering individual meals.
- The word pedir shares an ancestor with the English word 'petition', as both come from the Latin 'petere', meaning to go toward or request something.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿podemos pedir dos pizzas margaritas y una ensalada mixta, por favor?Hello, can we order two margherita pizzas and a mixed salad, please?
- ¿Podríamos hacer un pedido de dos platos de tacos al pastor y dos de enchiladas de pollo?Could we order two plates of pastor tacos and two plates of chicken enchiladas?
- Si estamos cansados, ¿podemos pedir comida?If we are tired, can we order food?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are at home deciding what to do for dinner.
- ElenaTengo mucha hambre, Daniel.I am very hungry, Daniel.
- DanielYo también. ¿Podemos pedir comida?Me too. Can we order food?
- ElenaSí, busquemos un restaurante por la aplicación.Yes, let's look for a restaurant on the app.
- DanielPerfecto, yo elijo el lugar.Perfect, I will choose the place.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comida, pedir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
