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what does "¿Se puede cambiar esto por una ensalada?" mean?
in google, it translates as "Can I change this for a salad?". But should it not be "Can you change it for a salad"? isn't puede formal you?
3 Answers
- Randy PLv 710 years agoFavorite Answer
Actually "se puede" is passive voice (in the 3rd person singular), so the literal translation is "Can this be changed for a salad?"
But the meaning is the same as if you asked a waiter in English, "Can I change this to a salad?" or "Can you change this to a salad?" In all cases, I want him to exchange a salad for something else I have been given. Those are all legitimate translations of the MEANING rather than the specific words.
- eanne94Lv 710 years ago
It means literally Can this be changed for a salad, rather than "Can you change this for a salad". More formal, less personal.
- K KLv 410 years ago
That sounds like something you'd ask a waiter. Sorta like, "Can I substitute this (side order) for a salad ?" Do you think that could be it ? I only took Spanish a little so I'm guessing.
