A little question about ambos VS both and Maria

Question

So at work we are spieling these two new wines, they both cost $35.

So Maria says "wow $35 for BOTH"? BOTH bottles are $35?

So I say, no, they both cost $35 means they each cost $35 and she looks at me all confused, it doesn't work that way in Spanish I guess.

They are both $35 = they are each $35.

But in Spanish they are both $35 = they each cost 17.50.

She says both (ambos) can never mean each, is that right?

Gracias.

Answer 1

I agree with Heidita and Chileno in that if the sentence is not phrased carefully, it is bound to create confusion. I am acutely aware of this after working on sales for a number of years. If you pay attention, you will see that in advertising, prices are nearly always and universally followed by "each", when you want to make sure it's not a bundle price.

I would say: ambos vinos cuestan $35 cada uno - Both wines cost $35 each.

Regular price: $20 each. Get both for $35

Precio regular: $20 cada uno. Compre los dos (I would not use ambos in this case) por $35.

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre el modelo Toyota y el modelo Honda? El Honda tiene mejor garantía y 20 cm cúbicos más de espacio, pero ambos cuestan lo mismo.

What's the difference between the Toyota and the Honda models? The Honda comes with a better warranty and 20 cubic cm more space, but both are the same price.

As always, context. - chileno, Jan 29, 2012

Answer 2

Maria is correct, and it is the same in English.

Check the following link

Answer 3

Well, Jeez, this must a special take in your part of the country, reminds me of Chris always saying that "I have just ate..." is perfectly normal in his part of the world, doesn't make it any more correct though

both means two together.

I will leave the above, but I have just found this, very interesting, you are right:

Usage Note: Both indicates that the action or state denoted by the verb applies individually to each of two entities. Both books weigh more than five pounds, for example, means that each book weighs more than five pounds by itself, not that the two books weighed together come to more than five pounds. Both is inappropriate where the verb does not apply to each of the entities by itself. ·

For a native Spanish speaker rather confusing, my take on ambos is the two, the two together. However, the definition says it can be used just like in English, which leads to confusion, both in English and in Spanish.

Ambas botellas valen 10 €

This can actually mean: they cost 5€ each, or each one costs 10, silly word, jeje

We would add total to it to make things clear:

Las dos valen 10 en total.

Anyway, wait for more answers, interesting jeezle

Answer 4

Maria is right.

I am also confused with your English view on this. For me, $35 for both does not mean $35 each.

Although it's a little confusing, they both cost $35 dollars makes perfect sense and means they each cost $35. This is a corporate spiel we are givin by the company and I have always heard both to mean each or both in Texas. - jeezzle, Jan 28, 2012

I assume it is the same everywhere. These windows are both $5. These red wines both cost $10. You wouldn't think you get them both for $10. - jeezzle, Jan 28, 2012

Sigo confundido pero bien. Te encargo con saludos a Maria - 005faa61, Jan 29, 2012

oiga!!! nada de mandar saludos a esa maria, eso ni hablar!!!! lol - 00494d19, Jan 29, 2012