Can I have this?
Hi,
I want to ask about this expression because it seems like the kind of thing that would not translate well (literally) between english and spanish. In english if we want something we usually say "Can I have.."? It's also possible to say "Can you give me", "Can I take...", etc. but I'd say it's far more common to use the first construction. In spanish, can we use tener like this: "Puedo tener..."? Or would it be more common to use a verb like llevar, dar, tomar, sacar...?
Thank you.
6 Answers
yes a very good question.. Because I felt the same when I was at Spain last week. I was at Bar thinking "well , the bartender is coming, how is it how is it?" And then I listened to my friends.. they say for example " 2 cervezas" only this.. Anyway later I decided to say "Me puedes dar...?" heheh but still I had doubts! 
It's difficult to answer at that question. We use : "A beer, please" or "I'd like to take/have a beer". We don't use the same question than in English. We don't say : "Puedo tomar una cerveza?"(Can I have a beer?) it sounds weird to me but "Qué tipo de cerveza tiene?"(What kind of beer do you have?) it's ok to me. Can I have? (Puedo tener?) it's never used and "Can you give me"(Puede darme) sounds very formal to me.
I hope have been helpful.
Hi, Luke. Context is important with this expression. One translation that has not been mentioned is "¿Me dejas esto?" This is used if you are asking someone if you can use something that belongs to them. For example, if you want to use someone's pen, in English you might say "Can I have this?"; in Spanish the correct translation is "¿Me dejas tu pluma?" This can also be used if you not only want to use it, but to actually own it. This would not be correct for ordering food or drink, however...Ordering in a bar or restaurant - "¿Me trae(s)...?"
Try poner where you ask the barman to "put" something... me pones una caña por favor
You've changed the emphasis because you ask the barman to carry out an action. It isn't very Spanish to ask permission from the barman, tell him what you want.
You might find something useful in another discussion about can and may:
Your mother never explained to you that it is "May I have this?" and not "Can I have this?" ?
tener is used for physical possession and puedo tener is acceptable.
¿Puedo tener dos antivirus?
