¿tienes un encendedor?
In Spanish, "do you have a lighter?" is said as ¿tienes un encendedor?
This phrase is used to ask someone if they possess a device for starting a fire. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, it is common to colloquially ask ¿tienes fuego? (do you have fire?) instead of using the specific word for lighter.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ¿tienes un encendedor? is composed of the verb tener (to have) in the second person singular, the indefinite article un (a) and the noun encendedor (lighter).
Which one should you use?
You may hear ¿tienes fuego? used in more colloquial settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase ¿tienes un encendedor? is an informal way to ask. For a more formal approach, such as when speaking to a stranger or an elder, use ¿Tiene usted un encendedor? or Disculpe, ¿tiene un encendedor?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word mechero is frequently used instead of encendedor to refer to a lighter. For example, you might say ¿tienes un mechero?
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the formal "you" when asking a stranger or an elder, change the verb from tienes to tiene.
Did you know?
- In many parts of Latin America, you might hear people ask ¿Tienes luz? (Do you have light?) to mean the same thing as asking for a lighter.
- The word mechero in Spain comes from the verb mechar, which refers to the act of inserting a wick into a candle or lamp.
- The verb encender used in encendedor is the same word used to describe flipping a light switch or turning on a computer.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿tiene un encendedor?Excuse me, do you have a lighter?
- ¿Tienes un encendedor?Do you have a lighter?
- Oye, ¿tienes un encendedor?Hey, do you have a lighter?
Example conversation
Javier and Sofia are standing outside a cafe.
- JavierHola, Sofía, ¿tienes un encendedor?Hi, Sofia, do you have a lighter?
- SofíaNo, no tengo uno.No, I don't have one.
- JavierVaya, no pasa nada.Oh well, no problem.
- SofíaPuedo buscar uno para ti.I can look for one for you.
