Meaning
Uso:
- Cuando un camarero en un restaurante quiere ofrecer un postre, podría decir: «Can I interest you in a dessert?» («¿Te interesa un postre?»).
- En una tienda, un vendedor podría preguntar: «Can I interest you in our new collection?» («¿Te interesa nuestra nueva colección?»).
Contexto:
- Es una fórmula educada que suaviza el acto de ofrecer, haciendo que la propuesta suene menos intrusiva.
- Se utiliza principalmente en contextos formales o de negocios, aunque también puede aparecer en situaciones casuales.
La clave de «Can I interest you in» es su tono cortés, que busca captar la atención del interlocutor sin presionar. Es una manera efectiva de presentar opciones de manera atractiva y respetuosa.
Today's Sentences
- Can I interest you in a cup of coffee?
- Can I interest you in today’s special?
- Can I interest you in a game of chess?
- Can I interest you in some new furniture?
- Can I interest you in some new headphones?
- Writer's Note
01
Can I interest you in a cup of coffee?
Situation 1
Can I interest you in a cup of coffee?
Sure.
That’s really kind of you.
Eso es muy amable de tu parte.
What’s your drink?
I’ll have a cappuccino, if that’s alright.
Situation 2
I’m not sure what to order yet.
Take your time. We’re kinda known for our hot drinks though.
Can I interest you in a cup of coffee?
¿Te gustaría una taza de "coffee"?
Really? I’d love a cup of coffee.
I’ll have it black with no cream, no sugar please.
Lo tomaré negro sin crema, sin azúcar por favor.
I’ll have it ready for you real quick.
02
Can I interest you in today’s special?
Situation 1
I want to try something new but I’m not sure what I want.
Can I interest you in today’s special?
What’s the special today?
It’s Steak Tacos with a side salad and soup.
Situation 2
What’s in the Jambalaya here?
There’s sausage and shrimp.
Hmm, I’m not sure if that’s what I want.
Can I interest you in today’s special?
03
Can I interest you in a game of chess?
Situation 1
I’m so bored.
There’s nothing to do around here.
No hay nada que hacer por aquí.
Can I interest you in a game of chess?
Chess?
I’ve never played chess before.
Nunca he jugado al ajedrez antes.
It’s really fun and it’ll keep us busy for a few hours.
Situation 2
Can I interest you in a game of chess?
Sure.
Except that I have no idea what the rules are.
Excepto que no tengo idea de cuáles son las reglas.
It’s ok.
I’ll teach you as we play.
Te enseñaré mientras jugamos.
I’ll give it a try.
04
Can I interest you in some new furniture?
Situation 1
Are you browsing today or is there a specific item that you’re looking for?
We’re browsing today because of the sale.
You’re right, there’s a sale in the sofa and decor section.
Can I interest you in some new furniture?
¿Te interesaría algo de mobiliario nuevo?
Sure.
We’ll take a look and come find you if we have any questions.
Le echaremos un vistazo y lo buscaremos si tenemos alguna pregunta.
Situation 2
Hello, welcome to Chapter Decor.
We’re here for the opening sale.
Great!
Can I interest you in some new furniture?
¿Te interesaría algo de mobiliario nuevo?
We’d like to see bed frames and dressers please.
05
Can I interest you in some new headphones?
Situation 1
Are you looking for anything in particular?
I’m here to buy a gift for a friend.
Preferably under 500 dollars?
¿Preferiblemente por debajo de 500 dólares?
Ok.
Can I interest you in some new headphones?
¿Puedo interesarte en unos nuevos "headphones"?
Sure!
Situation 2
Hey! I’ve seen you in here before.
Hi, I come in often to browse at what’s new.
It’s one of my favorite stores.
Es una de mis tiendas favoritas.
Can I interest you in some new headphones?
Actually, I’d love to see some.
Writer's Note
Another way to describe "Can I interest you in" is "Would you like" something.
- Can I interest you in a cup of tea? 👉 Would you like a cup of tea?
- Can I interest you in some baked cookies? 👉 Would you like some baked cookies?
- Can I interest you in going to the mall? 👉 Would you like to go to the mall?
- Can I interest you in a new watch? 👉 Would you like a new watch?
Remember that "Can I interest you in" suggests having to get, buy, or take.👍