First phrase to learn in a new language.

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rdearman
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby rdearman » Thu Feb 16, 2023 8:43 am

Kullman wrote:"Me pones un tercio, por favor?" or "Me pones un quinto, por favor?"

and "Que se debe?".

Which means???? My pones are tense for favours? My pones are quiet for favours? and Cue Debbie?
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby Kullman » Thu Feb 16, 2023 4:52 pm

"Me pones un quinto, por favor" -> "Would you serve me a 20 cl beer, please?"
quinto is 1/5 (and also fifth)
"Me pones un tercio, por favor?" -> "Would you serve me a 33 cl beer, please?"
tercio is 1/3.
"Que se debe?" -> "What do I/we owe you?" (Also "Que le debo?" or "Que te debo?")

I forgot "Me pones una caña, por favor?" if you are asking for a draught beer instead of a bootled one.
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby tungemål » Thu Feb 16, 2023 9:41 pm

Kullman wrote:"Me pones un quinto, por favor" -> "Would you serve me a 20 cl beer, please?"
quinto is 1/5 (and also fifth)
"Me pones un tercio, por favor?" -> "Would you serve me a 33 cl beer, please?"
tercio is 1/3.
"Que se debe?" -> "What do I/we owe you?" (Also "Que le debo?" or "Que te debo?")

I forgot "Me pones una caña, por favor?" if you are asking for a draught beer instead of a bootled one.


This is actually very useful, as the one situation where you can use the language as a beginner is when ordering food and drink.

I already suspected that phrases that sound natural in English, sound strange in Spanish:
- podría darme... - could you give me...
- quisiera... - I'd like...

How about "dame un tercio, por favor", does that sound rude in Spanish? or "déme un tercio, por favor"
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby Rey » Thu Feb 16, 2023 11:20 pm

tungemål wrote:I already suspected that phrases that sound natural in English, sound strange in Spanish:
- podría darme... - could you give me...
- quisiera... - I'd like...


In fact, it sounds 'old fashioned' or 'outdated'. Such phrases were very usual in Spain at the city where I was raised as a child, long time ago...

tungemål wrote:How about "dame un tercio, por favor", does that sound rude in Spanish? or "déme un tercio, por favor"


The key at this point is intonation. You should sound somewhat imperative, but not too much... Be nice and kind... Smile slightly at the end of the phrase, please ;)

As an old-fashioned woman, I do prefer "póngame un tercio, por favor" at formal situations or expensive places. Or "ponme un tercio, por favor" at informal contexts. Don't forget to smile in both cases, please! ;)
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby Kullman » Fri Feb 17, 2023 1:42 pm

I think an imperative would be acceptable if you are asked before what are you going to have...

"¿Que te pongo?"

"Ponme un tercio, por favor".

Otherwise, I would avoid using it, and prefer something like.

"Me pones un tercio, por favor?"
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby Rey » Fri Feb 17, 2023 3:18 pm

Kullman wrote: "Que se debe?".


Alternatively "¿Qué se debe? [How much is it?]" can be also said informally "¿Cuánto te debo?" or "¿Cuánto es?"

Kullman wrote:"Me pones un tercio, por favor?"


Perhaps this phrase sounds better at most cases. ;)
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby Kullman » Fri Feb 17, 2023 6:15 pm

I think it should be noted than asking for "un tercio" or "un quinto", would lead the barman to serve you their most common/sold spanish beer, which would differ depending on when you are... Here in Galicia most places would serve you Estrella Galicia, while only a few would chose other spanish beers as Mahou, Estrella Damm, San Miguel, or even the portuguese Super Bock...
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby IronMike » Sun Feb 19, 2023 1:40 pm

My boss when I first moved to Berlin taught me the one phrase she said was important to know:

Können Sie mir mit etwas helfen? Ein kind ist ins wasser gefallen.

I got the pronunciation down pretty well, then she told me what it meant. Then she laughed. (I did work though; I learned that phrase in 1988.)

But when I was in charge of my own learning, the first phrase I always learn is One beer, please!
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby rdearman » Sun Feb 19, 2023 4:06 pm

IronMike wrote:My boss when I first moved to Berlin taught me the one phrase she said was important to know:

Können Sie mir mit etwas helfen? Ein kind ist ins wasser gefallen.

I got the pronunciation down pretty well, then she told me what it meant. Then she laughed. (I did work though; I learned that phrase in 1988.)

But when I was in charge of my own learning, the first phrase I always learn is One beer, please!

Is there a lot of children left unattended by rivers in Berlin?
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Re: First phrase to learn in a new language.

Postby Iversen » Sun Feb 19, 2023 5:10 pm

My mother just learnt one word in Russian: "спасибо"(thanks) - and because she knew that word she got more coffee than her fellow travellers.
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