What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of déjame (let me), conseguir (to get/obtain) and un intérprete (an interpreter).
Which one should you use?
You can also use permítame conseguir un intérprete to say 'allow me to get an interpreter', which is more formal and polite.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form déjame conseguir un intérprete uses the informal 'tú' conjugation, which is suitable for casual settings but may sound too direct in a formal professional environment. Other formal ways to request assistance include Permita que llame a un intérprete (Let me get an interpreter) or Me gustaría solicitar un intérprete, por favor (I would like to request an interpreter, please).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, one might use Quisiera pedir un intérprete, por favor to politely request an interpreter. In Argentina, one might use traductor instead of intérprete to refer to an interpreter, such as in the phrase Permita que llame a un traductor.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb conseguir is used in its infinitive form because it follows the imperative déjame.
Did you know?
- The word intérprete is also the standard Spanish word for a musical performer or a singer, meaning the same person could be a language expert or a pianist.
- The verb conseguir descends from the Latin word cōnsequor, which literally means 'to follow' or 'to attain' after a pursuit.
- While an intérprete handles spoken words, the word traductor technically refers to someone who translates written text. In many Spanish-speaking countries, people use them interchangeably, even though they perform very different professional tasks.
Examples in context
- Permita que llame a un intérprete para asegurarnos de que no haya malentendidos en nuestra comunicación.Let me get an interpreter to ensure there are no misunderstandings in our communication.
- Me gustaría solicitar un intérprete, por favor. Necesito asistencia para comunicarme con el personal médico.I would like to request an interpreter, please. I need assistance communicating with the medical staff.
- Déjame conseguir un intérprete, por favor. Quiero asegurarme de entender completamente las instrucciones.Let me get an interpreter, please. I want to make sure I completely understand the instructions.
- Disculpe. Necesito comunicarme a través de un intérprete. ¿Podría ayudarme a encontrar uno?Excuse me. I need to communicate through an interpreter. Could you help me find one?
- Déjame conseguir un intérprete para la reunión.Let me get an interpreter for the meeting.
- No entiendo bien, déjame conseguir un intérprete.I don't understand well, let me get an interpreter.
- Espera un momento, déjame conseguir un intérprete.Wait a moment, let me get an interpreter.
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at a medical appointment where the doctor speaks only Spanish.
- LucíaLo siento, no hablo mucho español.I'm sorry, I don't speak much Spanish.
- MateoNo hay problema, déjame conseguir un intérprete.No problem, let me get an interpreter.
- LucíaGracias, Mateo, eso sería de mucha ayuda.Thank you, Mateo, that would be a great help.
- MateoDe nada, Lucía, espérame un segundo.You're welcome, Lucía, wait for me a second.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conseguir, intérprete, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
