How to Say “Give Me a Drink” in Spanish

By •
dame un trago
/dame un tɾaɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "give me a drink" can be translated into Spanish as dame un trago.
This phrase is used to request an alcoholic beverage. In many Spanish-speaking contexts, un trago implies a shot or a single alcoholic beverage rather than a large glass of liquid.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of da (give), me (me), un (a) and trago (gulp/sip/drink).

Which one should you use?

While dame un trago specifically refers to a gulp or a shot of alcohol, dame algo de beber is a more general request for any liquid to drink.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

dame un trago is informal and should only be used with friends or people you know well. For an extremely polite and formal way to ask for a drink, you can use ¿Sería tan amable de ofrecerme una bebida? Other informal options include Dame una bebida, ¿Me pasas una bebida? (can you pass me a drink?) or Oye, ¿me puedes traer una bebida? (can you bring me a drink?).

Is it said differently in some regions?

In Mexico, you can use the phrase ¿Me das algo de tomar, por favor? to ask for something to drink.

How does it change in a sentence?

In the phrase dame un trago, the verb dar is in the imperative mood (command form) for the informal tú subject.

How do you pronounce it?

/dame un tɾaɡo/

Did you know?

  • The word trago is historically linked to the Ancient Greek word for 'he-goat'.
  • Depending on the country, requesting un trago may be interpreted as a request for a 'drink' in the sense of a drinking session or a party, not just a single glass.

Examples in context

  • Dame un trago de tu tequila.
    Give me a drink of your tequila.
  • Oye, dame un trago para celebrar.
    Hey, give me a drink to celebrate.
  • Dame un trago de esa cerveza fría.
    Give me a drink of that cold beer.

Example conversation

Two friends are sitting at a bar at night.

  1. Daniel

    Lucía, dame un trago de tu vino.
    Lucía, give me a drink of your wine.
  2. Lucía

    Claro, Daniel, pero solo un poco.
    Sure, Daniel, but only a little.
  3. Daniel

    Gracias, eres muy amable.
    Thanks, you are very kind.
  4. Lucía

    De nada, disfruta tu noche.
    You're welcome, enjoy your night.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries trago, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏
Wayne Kyle
Wayne KyleHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Scroll to Top