"To" in spanish

Question

Hi,

It seems silly asking this question as I have never really seen it as confusing until now, however I was wondering how the word to would be translated in these sentences.

For instance I need something to eat Necesito algo de comer?

I have something to say Tengo algo que decir?

I want something to do Quiero algo de hacer?

Are these correct? What do you use instead of to in sentences like these?

Thanks a lot

I get confused about this, too. - katydew, May 28, 2012

Answer 1

For instance I need something to eat Necesito algo de comer?

CORRECTO: Necesito comer algo.

CORRECTO: I have something to say Tengo algo que decir?

I want something to do Quiero algo de hacer?

CORRECTO: Quiero hacer algo.

What do you use instead of to in sentences like these?

The only equivalency of English "to" (which is used as an auxiliary to the verbs), in Spanish is "a". Example: "Voy a pasear". We don't have verbal auxiliaries.

Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Adelap is right, but I think your confusion might be in the understanding of infinitive.

ie: English infinitive to eat ....... Spanish infinitive comer. As you can see, what has happened to the to in Spanish is that it is incoporated into the verb.

And for exceptions like "Voy a pasar," there are certain verb groupings that you simply have to remember.

Okay I think I understand you, so you could just say "Quiero algo comer?" - caruso021, May 28, 2012

algo DE comer - 005faa61, May 28, 2012