Forums > Specific Focus > Learning Spanish

Norma Jean

Jul 17, 2002, 6:43 AM

Post #1 of 18 (3557 views)

Shortcut

Spanish Question

Can't Post |

My husband and I own a small sandwich shop in Houston, TX. We employ two wonderful ladies who are both native Spanish speakers. One of them is not very fluent in English, yet, and from time to time, you may see me post questions designed to help us learn more Spanish and to help us communicate our customers' needs to her when our other Spanish speaker is not available to help with translation. Any help you can give will be gratefully accepted and used. Here goes. How should we ask our emploee, (Yolanda, from Mexico) to cut a sandwich in half for a customer. We are often busy, so the shortest, but most polite for of the question possible is what I need.Thanks in advance for all your help.Norma Crosby

DavidMTY

Jul 17, 2002, 8:59 AM

Post #2 of 18 (3535 views)

Shortcut

en mitades, porfis:)

Can't Post |

I would skip the first part of the command examples below in parenthesis to soften it for use in the restaurant. If not I would replace the participle form for the command form in which you would substitute "Cortado for Córtalo, for example):Short expression that works, in a hurry, friendly "en" optional:
(en) mitades, porfa.
A bit more formal:
Cortado en mitades, por favor.
The "correct" command:
Córtalo en mitades, por favor.
The "correct" command, with the idea you are doing it for me:
Córtamelo en mitades, por favor.
Or for the client:
Córtaselo en mitades, por favor.
Or for the sandwich's own good:
Se corta en mitades.If it were my employee, I might say,
"Me haces dos partes (or en mitades), porfis", depending on how I judged our relationship, I might use Hacer instead of Cortar in one of the above suggestions; dos partes also should be understood, but technically it doesn't specify that they are halves. "Dos partes iguales" would work fine.Best...David(MTY): My husband and I own a small sandwich shop in Houston, TX. We employ two wonderful ladies who are both native Spanish speakers. One of them is not very fluent in English, yet, and from time to time, you may see me post questions designed to help us learn more Spanish and to help us communicate our customers' needs to her when our other Spanish speaker is not available to help with translation. Any help you can give will be gratefully accepted and used. : Here goes. How should we ask our emploee, (Yolanda, from Mexico) to cut a sandwich in half for a customer. We are often busy, so the shortest, but most polite for of the question possible is what I need.: Thanks in advance for all your help.: Norma Crosby

Norma Jean

Jul 17, 2002, 9:11 AM

Post #3 of 18 (3537 views)

Shortcut

en mitades, porfis:)

Can't Post |

David,Thanks so much. I just started checking out this forum, and I think it is really great. Your help is really appreciated.Norma

Hank Duckman

Jul 17, 2002, 10:44 AM

Post #4 of 18 (3533 views)

Shortcut

en mitades, porfis:)

Can't Post |

David:
: Córtalo en mitades, por favor.
: The "correct" command, with the idea you are doing it for me:
: Córtamelo en mitades, por favor.Wouldn't the subjunctive be more polite?? Córtelo en mitades por favor
or Córtemelo en mitades, por favor.Saludos;Hank

DavidMTY

Jul 17, 2002, 10:55 AM

Post #5 of 18 (3534 views)

Shortcut

en mitades, porfis:)

Can't Post |

Me da gusto Norma.By the way, the phrase, "a lo largo" might help you also, to specify how you would cut a long roll open to make a sub, before cutting it in half.
"Se abre el pan cortándolo a lo (su) largo, luego, se meten los ingredientes, entonces le eches un poquillo de aceite de oliva con ajo y orégono, y al terminar con el sandwich se corta en dos partes iguales y las envuelves en papel (o aluminio). Oye te pido unicamente un sandwich de pastrami de rez tradicionalmente preparado y condimentado, caliente con mostaza, cosa que no he podido encontrar en años...
Suerte...David(MTY): David,: Thanks so much. I just started checking out this forum, and I think it is really great. Your help is really appreciated.: Norma

DavidMTY

Jul 17, 2002, 11:12 AM

Post #6 of 18 (3535 views)

Shortcut

en mitades, porfis:)

Can't Post |

Sure, Hank, that's a good point, though not really an option: It depends on all speech being formal with the particular employee. The question originally asked didn't specify whether or not they are using tú or usted.
"Usted" for everything, which might not be a bad idea, either. If that is the case all commands should be with Usted, as you cannot optionally switch between usted and tú at will. In my case I am usually on a familiar "tú" with employees (although some call me usted sometimes to assure me who's the boss), and there are folks from the "rancho" who even use usted speaking to their niños. I personally would use the abbreviated forms due to efficiency for the specific case asked, which circumvents the good point you mention.
Best...David(MTY)
: David:
: : Córtalo en mitades, por favor.
: : The "correct" command, with the idea you are doing it for me:
: : Córtamelo en mitades, por favor.: Wouldn't the subjunctive be more polite?? Córtelo en mitades por favor
: or Córtemelo en mitades, por favor.: Saludos;: Hank

Carlos

Jul 17, 2002, 11:20 AM

Post #7 of 18 (3537 views)

Shortcut

Spanish Question

Can't Post |

: Here goes. How should we ask our emploee, (Yolanda, from Mexico) to cut a sandwich in half for a customer. We are often busy, so the shortest, but most polite for of the question possible is what I need. "Córtalo a la mitad, por favor"

Hank Duckman

Jul 17, 2002, 12:12 PM

Post #8 of 18 (3538 views)

Shortcut

en mitades, porfis:)

Can't Post |

: Sure, Hank, that's a good point, though not really an option: It depends on all speech being formal with the particular employee. The question originally asked didn't specify whether or not they are using tú or usted. : : Wouldn't the subjunctive be more polite?? Córtelo en mitades por favor
: : or Córtemelo en mitades, por favor.David:Another option. When I use the informal with people working for me, I use:"Que me lo cortés, por favor" or "que me lo hagas". Saludos;Hank

DavidMTY

Jul 17, 2002, 11:39 PM

Post #9 of 18 (3535 views)

Shortcut

Spanish Question

Can't Post |

The use of "a la mitad" as suggested by Carlos is better than "en mitades", as I suggested, according to an estimed (native speaking) collegue I just asked. This follows the structure like the other example I gave "a lo largo". While my reservation with that was I felt it was too heavily weighted to telling someone exactly where they need to cut (an if it is a third, quarter, etc.) my superior says I over reacted with "Córtalo en mitades", which while not incorrect, places more emphasis than she prefers on the result, the halves, and not enough on the command. She thought "cortado en mitades, porfa" was OK, but still prefered "a la mitad." But she had a minor consolation objection in line with my thoughts on the focus of cutting, and said it sound too much like instructions for using scissors. And while she contended that everyone is right, especially Carlos, except "Pártelo a la mitad." would be her first choice.So that is now the one I would go with, though I didn't ask I don't think I would use the "for me" version, "Pártemelo a la mitad." for risk averse reasoning.
Best...David(MTY)
: "Córtalo a la mitad, por favor"
:

Georgia

Jul 18, 2002, 5:08 AM

Post #10 of 18 (3535 views)

Shortcut

Command forms

Can't Post |

Hi, Hank, I'll butt in here just to say that your approach is indirect and avoids a command form. However, your comment on the subjunctive inspires me to make this comment: for -ar verbs, the tu command form ends in -a, the usted form in -e. It is not strictly speaking subjunctive, but the imperative form. The subjunctives -ar tu form would end in -es and the usted form in -e. I couldn't help myself. Former language teacher .... it's a compulsion. : : Sure, Hank, that's a good point, though not really an option: It depends on all speech being formal with the particular employee. The question originally asked didn't specify whether or not they are using tú or usted. : : : Wouldn't the subjunctive be more polite?? Córtelo en mitades por favor
: : : or Córtemelo en mitades, por favor.: David:: Another option. When I use the informal with people working for me, I use:: "Que me lo cortés, por favor" or "que me lo hagas". : Saludos;: Hank

Georgia

Jul 18, 2002, 5:10 AM

Post #11 of 18 (3539 views)

Shortcut

Command forms -- negative

Can't Post |

I should have added that the negative -ar command form for tu ends in -es, which follows the subjunctive form. "No me hables" but "Habla mas depacio, por favor.": Hi, Hank, I'll butt in here just to say that your approach is indirect and avoids a command form. However, your comment on the subjunctive inspires me to make this comment: for -ar verbs, the tu command form ends in -a, the usted form in -e. It is not strictly speaking subjunctive, but the imperative form. The subjunctives -ar tu form would end in -es and the usted form in -e. : I couldn't help myself. Former language teacher .... it's a compulsion. : : : Sure, Hank, that's a good point, though not really an option: It depends on all speech being formal with the particular employee. The question originally asked didn't specify whether or not they are using tú or usted. : : : : Wouldn't the subjunctive be more polite?? Córtelo en mitades por favor
: : : : or Córtemelo en mitades, por favor.: : David:: : Another option. When I use the informal with people working for me, I use:: : "Que me lo cortés, por favor" or "que me lo hagas". : : Saludos;: : Hank

Angelina

Jul 18, 2002, 8:24 AM

Post #12 of 18 (3535 views)

Shortcut

Spanish Question

Can't Post |

If I am not mistaken, I think I recall hearing native speakers also say "cortalo por la mitad", but that just might be regional. I have also heard the slang: mita y mita (mitad), and mi tia/mi tia (from mitad) : : Here goes. How should we ask our emploee, (Yolanda, from Mexico) to cut a sandwich in half for a customer. We are often busy, so the shortest, but most polite for of the question possible is what I need.: "Córtalo a la mitad, por favor"
:

DavidMTY

Jul 18, 2002, 9:17 AM

Post #13 of 18 (3537 views)

Shortcut

Halfies...(and looking forward to...)

Can't Post |

Hi Angelina,I say "halfies" as my father related to me that as a kid a few centuries ago it was the expression of choice when you were with your friend and he found something (usually a coin) and there was an unwritten rule that they had to share it with the first buddy who yelled out: "Halfies".That reminds me so much of "miti-miti". In Spanish the colloquial use of "miti-miti" as I have heard and used is usually for a situation between two people determining how to divide up something, whether something they found, or informally in a work situation (the pay, asuming it not be a straightfoward situation, or when their is doubt on the proportions, like I'll produce it and you sell it, and we'll divide the earnings "miti-miti", or we areboth real hungry, I won't eat it all even though you think I would, here, look, I'll divide it miti-miti. I have also heard mita-mita used by others in similar situations. I am sure these can apply to plenty of other circumstances, like maybe in the sandwich shop, though I bet the idea is more focused on the proportions.I never heard mitia-mitia before and look forward to trying it out!
(Me animo a probarlo, re: the looking forward to... post a few threads back) Best...David(MTY): If I am not mistaken, I think I recall hearing native speakers also say "cortalo por la mitad", but that just might be regional. I have also heard the slang: mita y mita (mitad), and mi tia/mi tia (from mitad) : : : Here goes. How should we ask our emploee, (Yolanda, from Mexico) to cut a sandwich in half for a customer. We are often busy, so the shortest, but most polite for of the question possible is what I need.: : "Córtalo a la mitad, por favor"
: :

Angelina

Jul 18, 2002, 9:27 AM

Post #14 of 18 (3535 views)

Shortcut

Halfies...(and looking forward to...)

Can't Post |

David---you also might try: mi tia y tu tia (halfies)---they will know what you mean. Probably can also be taken to mean something else---so make sure you say it to a man, or a woman "de confianza".: Hi Angelina,: I say "halfies" as my father related to me that as a kid a few centuries ago it was the expression of choice when you were with your friend and he found something (usually a coin) and there was an unwritten rule that they had to share it with the first buddy who yelled out: "Halfies".: That reminds me so much of "miti-miti". In Spanish the colloquial use of "miti-miti" as I have heard and used is usually for a situation between two people determining how to divide up something, whether something they found, or informally in a work situation (the pay, asuming it not be a straightfoward situation, or when their is doubt on the proportions, like I'll produce it and you sell it, and we'll divide the earnings "miti-miti", or we areboth real hungry, I won't eat it all even though you think I would, here, look, I'll divide it miti-miti. I have also heard mita-mita used by others in similar situations. I am sure these can apply to plenty of other circumstances, like maybe in the sandwich shop, though I bet the idea is more focused on the proportions.: I never heard mitia-mitia before and look forward to trying it out!
: (Me animo a probarlo, re: the looking forward to... post a few threads back) : Best...David(MTY): : If I am not mistaken, I think I recall hearing native speakers also say "cortalo por la mitad", but that just might be regional. I have also heard the slang: mita y mita (mitad), and mi tia/mi tia (from mitad) : : : : Here goes. How should we ask our emploee, (Yolanda, from Mexico) to cut a sandwich in half for a customer. We are often busy, so the shortest, but most polite for of the question possible is what I need.: : : "Córtalo a la mitad, por favor"
: : :

Carlos

Jul 18, 2002, 10:10 AM

Post #15 of 18 (3539 views)

Shortcut

Spanish Question

Can't Post |

: If I am not mistaken, I think I recall hearing native speakers also say "cortalo por la mitad", but that just might be regional. I have also heard the slang: mita y mita (mitad), and mi tia/mi tia (from mitad) You've heard correct Angelina!
Mita & mita = fifty-fifty, dutch, even-steven.: : : Here goes. How should we ask our emploee, (Yolanda, from Mexico) to cut a sandwich in half for a customer. We are often busy, so the shortest, but most polite for of the question possible is what I need.: : "Córtalo a la mitad, por favor"
: :

Hank Duckman

Jul 18, 2002, 10:33 AM

Post #16 of 18 (3533 views)

Shortcut

Command forms

Can't Post |

Hi Georgia;You're right, my approach avoids the command (imperative) form but I've never come across any grammatical rule that forbids this. I have gotten into the habit of using the subjunctive approach to avoid sounding overbearing or impolite.Saludos;Hank: Hi, Hank, I'll butt in here just to say that your approach is indirect and avoids a command form. However, your comment on the subjunctive inspires me to make this comment: for -ar verbs, the tu command form ends in -a, the usted form in -e. It is not strictly speaking subjunctive, but the imperative form. The subjunctives -ar tu form would end in -es and the usted form in -e. : I couldn't help myself. Former language teacher .... it's a compulsion. : : : Sure, Hank, that's a good point, though not really an option: It depends on all speech being formal with the particular employee. The question originally asked didn't specify whether or not they are using tú or usted. : : : : Wouldn't the subjunctive be more polite?? Córtelo en mitades por favor
: : : : or Córtemelo en mitades, por favor.: : David:: : Another option. When I use the informal with people working for me, I use:: : "Que me lo cortés, por favor" or "que me lo hagas". : : Saludos;: : Hank

Hank Duckman

Jul 18, 2002, 10:39 AM

Post #17 of 18 (3535 views)

Shortcut

Command forms -- negative

Can't Post |

: I should have added that the negative -ar command form for tu ends in -es, which follows the subjunctive form. "No me hables" but "Habla mas depacio, por favor."Not only for "tu" but for all persons, the negative imperative takes the present subjunctive, verdad!Saludos;Hank

Hank Duckman

Jul 18, 2002, 4:38 PM

Post #18 of 18 (3551 views)

Shortcut

Halfies...in my childhood, it was halfsies NFM

Can't Post |

: Hi Angelina,: I say "halfies" as my father related to me that as a kid a few centuries ago it was the expression of choice when you were with your friend and he found something (usually a coin) and there was an unwritten rule that they had to share it with the first buddy who yelled out: "Halfies".: That reminds me so much of "miti-miti". In Spanish the colloquial use of "miti-miti" as I have heard and used is usually for a situation between two people determining how to divide up something, whether something they found, or informally in a work situation (the pay, asuming it not be a straightfoward situation, or when their is doubt on the proportions, like I'll produce it and you sell it, and we'll divide the earnings "miti-miti", or we areboth real hungry, I won't eat it all even though you think I would, here, look, I'll divide it miti-miti. I have also heard mita-mita used by others in similar situations. I am sure these can apply to plenty of other circumstances, like maybe in the sandwich shop, though I bet the idea is more focused on the proportions.: I never heard mitia-mitia before and look forward to trying it out!
: (Me animo a probarlo, re: the looking forward to... post a few threads back) : Best...David(MTY): : If I am not mistaken, I think I recall hearing native speakers also say "cortalo por la mitad", but that just might be regional. I have also heard the slang: mita y mita (mitad), and mi tia/mi tia (from mitad) : : : : Here goes. How should we ask our emploee, (Yolanda, from Mexico) to cut a sandwich in half for a customer. We are often busy, so the shortest, but most polite for of the question possible is what I need.: : : "Córtalo a la mitad, por favor"
: : :