What is the difference between "me" and "para mi"?

Question

Hi,

I would like to clarify the differences between specific cases of "me" and "para mi":

Puede cambiarme este dinero. VS Puede cambiar este dinero para mi.

Is there any subtle differences in the meanings of both sentences? Or are they equivalent?

¡Muchas gracias!

Welcome to spanishdict. We ask that all new members complete their profiles with their native language, and what level of Spanish you feel you are, like, beginner, intermediate, etc. as well as gender. - ray76, Oct 30, 2016

Answer 1

Puede cambiarme este dinero. VS Puede cambiar este dinero para mi.

There is a subtle difference. The first one is what you would say directly to a cashier at a bank, or maybe at the store.

The second one sounds like your asking a friend to go get change for you. Of course if you were talking to a friend you would probably say "puedes" intead of puede.

And besides this Spanish speakers don't use "Can you do "X" for me?"

We will use "quiere usted cambiarme este dinero?" maybe adding "por favor" (Which sounds like "will you + whatever your request is, please." to Spanish ears.

Or we will use "Me hace el favor de" + the infinitive of what your request is.