dame un segundo
/dame un seɡundo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "give me a second" is translated into Spanish as dame un segundo.
A request for a short amount of time to finish something or to think before responding.
Which one should you use?
While segundo literally means a unit of time, it is used idiomatically here to mean "a moment" or "a short while", just like in English. The phrase dame un momento is a common and slightly more standard alternative to dame un segundo.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form dame is the informal imperative (tú) form, combining the command da with the object pronoun me.
How do you pronounce it?
/dame un seɡundo/
Did you know?
- While dame un segundo is common, some regions use the phrase dame un chance, borrowing the English word 'chance' to mean 'give me a moment'.
- Spanish speakers often use un momentito instead of un segundo, adding the diminutive suffix '-ito' to make the request sound softer and more polite.
- The word segundo is etymologically linked to the verb seguir, which means 'to follow'. This is because something that is 'second' is inherently something that follows what came first.
Examples in context
- Dame un segundo.Give me a second.This sentence is useful for seeing how to use dame un segundo.Tatoeba #1841849 by hayastan, translation #1841171 by CK
- Espere un momento, por favor.Wait a moment, please
- Permítame un momento.Allow me a moment
- Espera un momento, ¿sí?Wait a moment, okay?
- Dame un segundo para revisar este correo.Give me a second to check this email.
- No sé la respuesta, dame un segundo.I don't know the answer, give me a second.
Example conversation
Sofía is looking for her keys while Mateo waits by the door.
- SofíaNo encuentro mis llaves.I can't find my keys.
- MateoTenemos que irnos ya.We have to leave now.
- SofíaDame un segundo, por favor.Give me a second, please.
- MateoEstá bien, te espero.Alright, I'll wait for you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries segundo, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
