What does it mean word for word?
The phrase súbete a la báscula is composed of the reflexive imperative verb subirse (to get oneself up/on) and the noun phrase la báscula (the scale).
Which one should you use?
While súbete a la báscula is a direct command, you can use the infinitive subirse a la báscula to describe the action of stepping on the scale rather than giving a command. Additionally, the single verb pesarse is a very common and natural way to express the same idea.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you might say Párese en la báscula, por favor to mean "Please step on the scale". In Spain, the phrase Póngase en la báscula, por favor is used for the same purpose.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a patient or someone in a formal setting, use the formal imperative súbase instead of the informal súbete.
How do you pronounce it?
/subete a la baskula/
Did you know?
- The word báscula is borrowed from the French word 'bascule', which originally described a see-saw or a balancing beam.
- While báscula is the standard term for a weighing machine, Spanish also uses balanza for scales, specifically those that balance two weights against each other.
- The verb subir in súbete literally means 'to go up' or 'to climb', treating the act of stepping onto a scale as an ascent.
Examples in context
- Súbete a la báscula.Step on the scale.This example shows how to use the phrase súbete a la báscula as a direct command.Tatoeba #10111189 by manufrutos, translation #842912 by J_S
- Súbete a la báscula para pesarte.Step on the scale to weigh yourself.
- Por favor, súbete a la báscula ahora.Please, step on the scale now.
Example conversation
At a doctor's office during a checkup.
- SofíaAlejandro, súbete a la báscula, por favor.Alejandro, step on the scale, please.
- Alejandro¿Cuánto peso marcará la báscula?How much weight will the scale show?
- SofíaNo lo sé, solo súbete.I don't know, just step on it.
- AlejandroEstá bien, ya estoy listo.Okay, I am ready now.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, báscula, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
