What does it mean word for word?
The word consentirte is a combination of the verb consentir, which means to spoil or indulge and the enclitic pronoun te, which means "you" in an informal context.
Which one should you use?
While the base verb consentir can mean "to allow" or "to consent" in certain contexts, it specifically carries the meaning of indulging or spoiling someone when it is used with an object pronoun.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Latin American countries, the informal term Chiquear is used specifically to mean spoiling someone with material possessions or treating them with luxury.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the phrase changes depending on who is being spoiled. Use consentirte to mean "spoil you" (informal), consentirlo to mean "spoil him/it", consentirla to mean "spoil her" and consentirle to mean "spoil you" (formal).
How do you pronounce it?
/konsentiɾte/
Did you know?
- In many parts of Latin America, if you want to say you are spoiling someone with gifts or treats, you might use the verb chiquear. This comes from the word chico, meaning 'small' or 'child', implying you are treating them like a little kid.
- In some Caribbean cultures, consentir is used as a serious warning rather than a compliment. It can imply that a person is 'enabling' someone, suggesting that the indulgence is actually causing long-term harm.
- The verb consentir can function as a 'contradictory' verb. It is used both to describe the act of indulging a child's sweet whims and the act of tolerating behavior that should be corrected.
Examples in context
- Le consentiré con un masaje relajante.I will spoil you with a relaxing massage.
- Mi abuelita siempre me malcría con sus deliciosos postres.My grandmother always spoils me with her delicious desserts.
- Me encanta mimarte cada vez que tenemos la oportunidad.I love spoiling you every time we have the chance.
- ¿Puedo consentirte con una cena romántica?Can I spoil you with a romantic dinner?
- Quiero consentirte hoy. ¿Qué te gustaría hacer?I want to spoil you today. What would you like to do?
- Nos hace feliz malcriar a nuestros hijos de vez en cuando.It makes us happy to spoil our children from time to time.
- Mis abuelos siempre quieren consentirte.My grandparents always want to spoil you.
- Voy a consentirte mucho este fin de semana.I am going to spoil you a lot this weekend.
Example conversation
A couple is planning a special date night.
- MaríaHoy quiero consentirte un poco.Today I want to spoil you a little.
- Alejandro¿En serio, María? Gracias.Really, María? Thank you.
- MaríaTe llevaré a cenar a un lugar elegante.I will take you to a fancy place for dinner.
- AlejandroEres muy generosa conmigo.You are very generous to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
