conseguir vs. obtenar

Question

What is the correct verb to use when you want to order something at a restaurant?

Puedo conseguir el....?

Puedo obtenar el...?

Answer 1

First things first. Obtener is the correct spelling. When ordering at a restaurant you normally would use neither. Common phrases are:

¿Me podría traer...?

Me gustaría comer...

Yo voy a tomar...

¿Me podría dar...?

Also, "Podría pedir...?" - "Could I ask for...?" is perfectly acceptable and I prefer it. - sastumo, Feb 17, 2011

Why would you ask a wait person if you may have permission to ask? This nicey-nicey thing may work in English, but not in Spanish language or culture. Usarenzo´s suggestions are perfectly acceptable and polite - 005faa61, Feb 17, 2011

Answer 2

I was going to write this as a comment but I'd like an answer.

I've heard this on tv:

"Ponme un café."

To the English ear it sounds very curt, to say the least, but what do native speakers think? Is it actually rude or is it acceptable?

Would it be 'softened' by adding 'por favor'?

I ask because it's super-easy to remember!

Around here, waiters usually say "Dígame." and people usually respond "Deme. . ." or sometimes just "Un(a). . ." - lorenzo9, Feb 18, 2011

This is very common in Spain. It is not rude and you can add por favor anytime. - gone, Feb 18, 2011

Thanks guys! 'Ponme' and 'Deme' are so simple. :) - galsally, Feb 19, 2011

Answer 3

Another one which is easy to remember is, "Traigame un ... café con leche," for "Bring me...a coffee with milk."

A Venezuelan friend of mine in Madrid told me that it is very common to hear this in Madrid, but it would be considered rude to speak to a waiter like this in Venezuela.

It seems a little rough on the English sensibility, but it is the Ud. form of the imperative, so that shows some respect.

Yes, your friend might be right. A preferred forms is "¿Me trae un café con leche, por favor?" - gone, Feb 18, 2011