dame comida
/dame komida/from spelling rules
The English phrase "give me food" is expressed in Spanish as dame comida.
This phrase is a direct request for someone to provide something to eat. Because the phrase is a direct imperative, it can sound like a command or a demand rather than a polite request unless softened with 'por favor'.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb da (give), the indirect object pronoun me (to me) and the noun comida (food).
Which one should you use?
dame comida uses the "tú" (informal) command form, which can sound blunt or even rude if used with someone you do not know well.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use the phrase Dame algo de comer, por favor to say "Give me something to eat, please." In Spain, the phrase ¿Me pones algo de comer, por favor? translates to "Can you give me something to eat, please?" and the word tapear means "to snack."
How does it change in a sentence?
In the informal imperative, the pronoun me is attached directly to the end of the verb da to form the single word dame.
Did you know?
- The word comida is a linguistic relative of the English word 'comestible', as both trace their origins back to the same Latin root meaning 'to eat'.
- While comida means 'food' in general, in many Spanish-speaking countries it specifically refers to the midday meal, which is traditionally the largest and most important meal of the day.
- While dame is a standard command, in certain social contexts it is considered so blunt that it is only used with pets, children or the most intimate family members.
Examples in context
- Deme de comer, por favor. Estoy muy hambriento/a después de tanto caminar.Give me food, please. I'm very hungry after so much walking.
- Dame comida, por favor. No he comido desde esta mañana.Give me food, please. I haven't eaten since this morning.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are in the kitchen.
- ElenaDaniel, tengo hambre, dame comida.Daniel, I'm hungry, give me food.
- DanielTodavía no está listo el almuerzo.Lunch is not ready yet.
- ElenaPero no puedo esperar más.But I cannot wait any longer.
- DanielEstá bien, come una manzana.Alright, eat an apple.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries comida, CC BY-SA 4.0.
