¿me puedes comprar esto?
The English phrase 'can you buy me this' is translated into Spanish as ¿me puedes comprar esto?
This phrase is used to make a request to someone to purchase a specific item for the speaker.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the indirect object pronoun me (to/for me), the verb puedes (you can), the infinitive comprar (to buy) and the demonstrative pronoun esto (this).
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the indirect object pronoun me can be attached directly to the end of the infinitive comprar instead of being placed before the conjugated verb, resulting in Puedes comprarme esto. Additionally, if the object being referred to is a specific masculine noun already mentioned, you can replace esto with the pronoun lo, as in ¿Me lo puedes comprar?
Did you know?
- The word comprar shares a common ancestor with the English word 'compare', as both stem from the Latin 'comparāre' which originally meant 'to prepare or procure'.
- If you are asking a friend or family member to buy something for you as a treat, it is much more common to say ¿Me lo regalas? instead of using the verb comprar. Using comprar can sound a bit too transactional and blunt in many social circles.
- In very casual or 'cute' contexts, especially among younger people or when acting charming, you can replace the polite por favor with porfi to make your request sound much more endearing.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿me podría comprar este libro?Excuse me, could you buy me this book?
- ¿Me puedes comprar esto? Es muy bonito.Can you buy me this? It is very pretty.
- Es muy bonito, ¿me puedes comprar esto?It is very pretty, can you buy me this?
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are at a toy store.
- ElenaMira este juguete, ¿me puedes comprar esto?Look at this toy, can you buy me this?
- JavierEs muy caro, Elena.It is very expensive, Elena.
- ElenaPero me gusta mucho.But I like it a lot.
- JavierEstá bien, yo lo compro.Alright, I will buy it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comprar, esto, me, CC BY-SA 4.0.
