Isn't ábreme esa botella.......

Question

More commonly used then abre esa botella para mí? And por mí is downright never used like this unless I was saying, Es por mí que va a abrir esa botella. Right on? Gracias.

Answer 1

Where I am, "ábreme esa botella (por favor)" is more common, yes. I'd agree that "¿puedes abrir esa botella para mí?" sounds very weird to me, and I can't think of a situation where I might say that. As for your latter expression, I'd say that as "Él va a abrir esa botella por mí" (in my behalf, in my honor, whatever).

Other options: ¿Puedes abrirme esa botella? ¿Me podrías abrir esa botella? Házme el favor de abrir(me) esa botella. ¿Podrías abrir esa botella por mí?

So por mi is better than para mi, but it really doesn't mean for me, but on my behalf, because of me. RIght? Never para then, and only por for because, on my behalf etc...? Gracias.... - jeezzle, Apr 17, 2011

Well... I hesitate to say "never"... Let's see: "Él es el que se engarga de abrir las botellas que son para mí cuando estamos en concierto" - might be a possible, if somewhat unlikely scenario where it's appropriate to use "para mí". - Gekkosan, Apr 17, 2011