Spanish commands with direct objects
Which way is correct? The robots use IOP and DOP. "Cómetelo", eat it. To me, this is wrong. I think it should be "Comerlo". In the second example, the robots only use the DOP, "Romperlo", break it.
1 Answer
Which way is correct? The robots use IOP and DOP. "Cómetelo", eat it. To me, this is wrong. I think it should be "Comerlo". In the second example, the robots only use the DOP, "Romperlo", break it.
Comer is an interewsting verb, in how it changes with the pronominal use:
comer= eat in general
comerse= eat specifically, eat up
contrast:
como arroz= I eat rice (at times, when given the opportunity, as a general rule, it is something I eat)
Me comí el arroz- I ate the rice. The rice in the bowl in front of me. It might even be gone.
If using tú commands:
Cómetelo- Eat it up
Cómelo- eat it
Rómpelo- would be for break it
see here:
https://www.italki.com/question/243998?hl=en-us
As stated before, these two verbs are interchangeable and mean the same thing. If you are really looking for a distinction, then in that case, yes, you are right, the difference would be in the fact that 'comer' refers to the simple action of eating (simple/subtle) while 'comerse' could have the same connotation as devouring, because it emphasizes the completeness of the action.
ex: Como pastel - I eat cake (or some of the cake)
Me como el pastel - I eat the cake (the whole thing/portion)
Also, the reflexive alternative is most commonly used in every day speech, but the former is also understood. Sometimes, there is a slight change in meaning if you use the reflexive.Some examples that delineate the subtle difference are:
-Me gustaria comer curry: I would like to eat/try/taste curry.
-Me gustaria comerme un curry bien rico: I would love to eat some delicious curry.
-Mañana voy a comer sushi : tmw I will eat/ have (some) sushi.
-Mañana me voy a comer sushi: Tomorrow I will go grab some sushi.
Sometimes, like in the past, it sounds better to use the reflexive. ex: Te comiste la ensalada que te dejé? vs. Comiste la ensalada que dejé? (did you eat the salad I left you? ) In this case, I would personally prefer the former, but here, I think it is just a matter of personal choice/style.
