Puedo dar....

Question

Puedo dar caramelos a sus niños? Can i give sweets to your children?

Thank you

You have my permission. - 0074b507, Sep 28, 2011

The more polite interpretation in English is "May I give....? - 0074b507, Sep 28, 2011

thank you qfreed - Wannalearn, Sep 28, 2011

My Dad used to say 'Yes you can, but you may not.' ;) - MaryMcc, Sep 28, 2011

Thanks i liked that Mary :-) - Wannalearn, Sep 28, 2011

@ MaryMcc: That's funny :0] - Goldie_Miel, Sep 28, 2011

My folks used to say that to me too as kid, the difference between can and may. I think a lot of adults still don't get that one. - amykay, Sep 28, 2011

Answer 1

Perhaps I should say: "...algunos carmelos..."?

I would say "Le (o te) importa si les doy unos carmelos a sus niños"

Thanks. I used "Le" because of "sus" (automatic formality) - Goldie_Miel, Sep 28, 2011

Answer 2

Maybe:

¿Podría/Puedo darles carmelos a sus niños?

Could/Can I ....?

or:

¿Le(s) importa si les doy carmelos a sus niños?

Do you mind if I give your children some candy?

*¿Le(s) molestaría si les diera carmelos a sus niños?

Would it bother you if I were to give some candy to your children?

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My book says that the verb Dar often takes on indirect object pronouns (so does SD here in a table near the middle of the page). That's why I use les.

Perhaps I should say: "...algunos carmelos..."?

Please do not hesitate to correct me. I am not perfect! Thanks

or "unos carmelos"? - Goldie_Miel, Sep 28, 2011