Meaning
La expresión inglesa «Can I ask you» se utiliza para introducir una pregunta de manera cortés. En español, se podría interpretar como «¿Puedo preguntarte?» o «¿Puedo hacerte una pregunta?». Esta frase se emplea cuando alguien desea asegurarse de que la otra persona está dispuesta a responder antes de formular la pregunta.
Uso: Es común utilizar «Can I ask you» en situaciones formales o cuando se busca mostrar respeto hacia la otra persona. Por ejemplo, en una conversación con un superior en el trabajo o con alguien que no conoces bien, esta expresión ayuda a suavizar la interacción y a demostrar consideración.
La estructura de la frase es sencilla: comienza con «Can I», que indica la solicitud de permiso, seguido de «ask you», que especifica la acción de preguntar. Esta forma es directa pero respetuosa, y es ideal para situaciones donde se quiere mantener una comunicación amigable y educada.
Today's Sentences
- Can I ask you something?
- Can I ask you for a favor?
- Can I ask you what you think of this?
- Can I ask you what colors go together?
- Can I ask you how this works?
- Writer's Note
01
Can I ask you something?
Situation
Can I ask you something?
Is this your textbook?
¿Es este tu libro de texto?
Yes it is, I thought I had lost it.
I saw you sitting here earlier.
Thank you so much.
02
Can I ask you for a favor?
Situation 1
Hey, can I ask you for a favor?
Sure.
What is it?
¿Qué es?
I’m moving this weekend and need some help.
I think I can help.
Send me the details and I’ll see you then!
Envíame los detalles y ¡nos vemos entonces!
Situation 2
Do you have a minute?
Sure.
Can I ask you for a favor?
Ask away!
03
Can I ask you what you think of this?
Situation 1
Can I ask you what you think of this?
Is there a problem?
This isn’t the food I ordered.
I’m terribly sorry.
Your original order will be out asap.
Su pedido original estará listo lo antes posible.
Situation 2
Can I ask you what you think of this?
OMG, what happened to the wall?
I wanted to surprise you and redesign the room.
Redesign? You tore down the wall?!
04
Can I ask you what colors go together?
Situation
Can I ask you what colors go together?
Well, in this case cherry red and off-white.
How about these?
These ones seem to clash too.
05
Can I ask you how this works?
Situation 1
Can I ask you how this works?
Of course.
It’s all about understanding the basics of gear theory.
Se trata de comprender los fundamentos de la teoría de engranajes.
Do you mean the theory that gears are wheels with teeth shaped to make the wheel turn?
Exactly!
Situation 2
Can I ask you how this works?
It’s basically an automating pour-over technology similar to your drip coffee.
That’s amazing!
It really does make a perfect and consistent cup of coffee.
Writer's Note
The phrase "Can I ask you" is a polite and commonly used way to start a question or request someone's permission to ask something personal, sensitive, or important.
Here are some key points about the phrase "Can I ask you".
- Function: Requesting Permission to Ask a Question
👉 Used to politely introduce a question, especially when the topic might be personal, serious, or unexpected.
👉 It softens the question and shows respect for the other person’s boundaries.
Examples:
👉 Can I ask you something personal?
👉 Can I ask you a quick question? - Structure:
"Can I ask you" + noun / question / about + topic?
Examples:
👉 Can I ask you a favor?
👉 Can I ask you something important?
👉 Can I ask you about your experience?
👉 Se utiliza para presentar educadamente una pregunta, especialmente cuando el tema podría ser personal, serio o inesperado.
👉 Suaviza la pregunta y muestra respeto por los límites de la otra persona.
Ejemplos:
👉 Can I ask you something personal?
👉 Can I ask you a quick question?
«¿Puedo preguntarte» + sustantivo / pregunta / sobre + tema?
Ejemplos:
👉 ¿Puedo pedirte un favor?
👉 ¿Puedo preguntarte algo importante?
👉 ¿Puedo preguntarte sobre tu experiencia?
You’ve studied a whole month with us⚡How has Welling helped with your progress? What factors made it difficult to study? What elements of our blog or videos were helpful/unhelpful? Let us know how you’re doing. We’d love to hear.
