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Como quieres...

Como quieres...

3
votes

"Como quieres" can translate to both, "as you wish," or to "like you wish," and while that nuance might seem irrelevant, it is not--- such shades of grey exist for a reason, ask a philologist or rhetorician anytime, which brings me to the question: is there is anyway to differentiate between the two or just follow the avenue of manipulation and enjoy?

1156 views
updated Dec 6, 2013
posted by jstackiv

3 Answers

4
votes

I believe it would be by the context in which it was used.

The difference between the two is as you wish is exactly what you want and like you wish is close to what you want.

I will do it as you wish.

We can't do that but we will do something like you wish.

Voy a hacer cómo quieres.

No podemos hacer esto pero hagamos algo cómo quieres.

updated Dec 6, 2013
edited by 00551866
posted by 00551866
Good way to express context for the phrases. - dennywells, Dec 6, 2013
4
votes

With adequate vocabulary and knowledge I suspect both languages have the depth to express any subtleties. It's of course better not to overwhelm the beginner with too much info. I'm certainly not implying you're a beginner. "As you wish" strikes me as very polite and somewhat formal. Almost connotes acquiescence. For that phrase "a su servico" comes to mind, but maybe that's a bit of a stretch. Usted verses tuteo forms also have an impact. It would help to see both phrases in more of a context.

Another thought would be the difference between "deseo" and "querer".

A medida del deseo - according to one’s wish.

Como quieres - as or like you want.

Just kicking it around smile

updated Dec 6, 2013
edited by dennywells
posted by dennywells
3
votes

I don't see a difference. Actually, I don't think "like you wish" is something you would say in English.

updated Dec 6, 2013
posted by antonioquieto
"Like you want" is what I would say rather than "like you wish". And to me there isn't much difference in English. Of course I don't know any philologists or rhetoricians. - Jubilado, Dec 6, 2013