How do you say "Could I... "?

Question

For example, could I have a cup of coffee? or, could I borrow this pen? etc. Thanks!

Would may I be better than could I? - Zoltán, Aug 28, 2009

Answer 1

I think the phrase "Could I..." comes from the fact that you are phrasing the sentence as a question. So be sure when you're speaking, to inflect your voice so it sounds like you are asking a question. As for the exact translations of those two questions you listed, I will leave that to the professionals above me.

Answer 2

¿Puedo tomar una taza de café?

¿Me prestas tú pluma?

Creo.... ¿Tengo una taza de café? o ¿Me prestas tu pluma?

No, it's ¿Me prestas tu pluma? May I borrow your pen? prestas, if I am not mistaken is the fact that I am borrowing from you and tu--means your. I hope I'm right. :) - Jason7R, Aug 28, 2009

Good call on the "una" taza, ooops! - Jason7R, Aug 28, 2009

Yes, Jason, you're right: "tu" with no accent is "your." - --Mariana--, Aug 28, 2009

is the tú as in ¿Me prestas tú tu pluma? - 0074b507, Aug 28, 2009

No, you are right. There shouldn't be a tilde on the u. I make that mistake far to often. :-( - Izanoni1, Aug 28, 2009

If I had a nickel for everytime I made one!! :) I'd stop world hunger!! :) - Jason7R, Aug 28, 2009

Answer 3

I'm wondering...Could you also use/say? Podría

"Could I borrow your pen?" ¿Podría pedir prestada su pluma/bolígrafo?

or pudiera pedir? - 0074b507, Aug 28, 2009

Answer 4

Creo.... ¿Tengo un taza de café? o ¿Me prestas tu pluma?