Grammar question.
Can someone please break down these sentences and explain how they work?
The indirect object pronoun may be preceded by the preposition a + the indirect object noun or the prepositional pronoun that corresponds to the indirect object pronoun for stress or clarification:
- A Elena le toca poner la mesa. - It's Elena's turn to set the table.
- A mí me faltan cien dólares. - I need one hundred dollars.
- Les place trabajar con Ud. - They are pleased to work with you.
1 Answer
"A Elena la toca" is a Spanish idiom meaning it's her turn, the bell has rung for her or whatever other phrase you'd like to use with a similar meaning. The following "poner la mesa" then identifies what it's her turn at. It is also slightly idiomatic in that 'poner la mesa" doesn't mean "put the table" but the more extensive "set the table" or in other words get the tableware, sideplates, glasses or whatever laid out ready. Flowers too if you run to flowers on the table.
"A mí me faltan", also somewhat idiomatic in that "Me faltan" would appear to perform the same task, simply means, "I need" or "I.m short of" or "I lack". Take your pick. The "cien dólares" I leave to you to work out. The "a mi/ti/el etc." is a firm favorite and is almost always used.
"Les place", it (understood although there is no specific word for it in the sentence) pleases them. What follows is then that which pleases them, that is to "trabajar con Ud.". So it comes to the translation you give "They are pleased to work with you" although in English I'd be more likely to say "They are happy to work with you" which is a more common usage.
