Stuck on a tiny thing

Question

Hello, I am stuck on translating a very simple phrase. I don't know why, maybe it's the grammar or construction that gets me. Again I am confused with translating the 'to':

• inglés: I need you to speak more slowly to me
• intento: Necesito a tú hablas más lentamente a mí

I feel like I butchered the translation (it somehow doesn't sound 'right' but I also don't know how else to phrase it to sound better or more natural. I'm sure I messed up)

Thank you!

Answer 1

Sometimes, some verbs have a different way of use in Spanish.

In this case, the correct translation is:

Necesito que me hables más lentamente

:) - ian-hill, Apr 29, 2015

Oh my goodness I can't believe I forgot the most basic construction of Spanish, objects going before verbs! Okay this makes a lot more sense now. Muchas gracias!! - Jambooflamingo, Apr 29, 2015

Sorry one quick question, we need to use 'que' after necesito? I know some verbs like tener have that construction; "tengo que" but I thought necesito didn't need it. Is "Necesito me hables más lentamente okay?" OH and another side question, hables becaus - Jambooflamingo, Apr 29, 2015

(cut off), hables because you're using subjunctive right? Something about wish/desire. Just those two questions! 1) Necesito v. Necesito que y 2) subjunctive for hablas... thanks again! - Jambooflamingo, Apr 29, 2015

In this case "que" is totally required. If not, the sentence does not have sense. Send me a MP and i will answer all your doubts. (now I'm working) - txustaboy, Apr 29, 2015

The problem with "que" is that it can never be omitted in Spanish but it can in English without changing the meaning. - ian-hill, Apr 29, 2015

Thank you txustaboy, it's fine feliz explained but I appreciate your offer of help immensely! - Jambooflamingo, Apr 30, 2015

Answer 2

Jambo, to answer your question to Txusta boy in the comments section underneath his response, I believe that you need to use 'que' after necesito if you are introducing a new subject (person) followed by the subjunctive mood! ;

No change of subject: indicative mood

Necesito hacer las compras = I need to do the shopping.

Necesito ir de compras = I need to go shopping

Change of subject in second clause after 'que': Subjunctive mood needed!:

Quiero que hagas las compras = I want you to do the shopping

Espero que venga mañana = I hope that she will come tomorrow.

Es necesito que escuches bien/o que prestes atención = It is necessary that you listen well! /pay attention!

I hope this helps

Quiero que hagas las compras = I want "that" you to do the shopping. :) - ian-hill, Apr 29, 2015

That is what I have written, Ian :) You know that translation into Spanish cannot be done literally and the pronoun 'que' is necessary to indicate that you want the other person to carry out the action followed by the subjunctive as I have indicated in - FELIZ77, Apr 29, 2015

in my post . Thank you for your vote but I don't understand the reason for the comment , my friend! - FELIZ77, Apr 29, 2015

I believe that: QuIero que hagas las compras is correct :) - FELIZ77, Apr 29, 2015

In English we often don't speak the "that" and I believe the translation that Feliz gave is fine. I however tend, in my own mind, to think of it as: I want that you might do the shopping. - gringojrf, Apr 29, 2015

Thank you , Gringo :) - FELIZ77, Apr 29, 2015

Thank you Feliz and Gringo! You both were very helpful, I definite understand this better - Jambooflamingo, Apr 30, 2015

I dont know if " ir a hacer las compras" is a South American sentence, but in Spain all people say "ir a comprar" - txustaboy, May 1, 2015

Answer 3

Háblame despacito

necesito que me hables despacio

Gracias por tu ayuda! - Jambooflamingo, Apr 30, 2015