Meaning
La expresión «I could use» en inglés se utiliza para indicar que algo sería útil o beneficioso en ese momento. No se trata de un uso literal, sino más bien de una manera de expresar una necesidad o deseo de algo que mejoraría una situación actual.
Por ejemplo, si alguien dice «I could use a coffee», no están diciendo que pueden usar un café como herramienta, sino que un café les vendría bien para sentirse mejor o más despiertos. Es una forma cortés y sutil de expresar que algo sería bienvenido o apreciado.
En español, podríamos interpretarlo como «me vendría bien» o «necesitaría», dependiendo del contexto. La clave es que transmite una necesidad que no es urgente, pero que mejoraría el estado actual de quien lo dice.
Esta expresión es común en situaciones informales y puede aplicarse a una amplia variedad de contextos, desde la necesidad de un descanso hasta el deseo de una comida o bebida específica.
Today's Sentences
- I could use a hug.
- I could use a drink.
- I could use a friend.
- I could use a shower.
- I could use some fresh air.
- Writer's Note
01
I could use a hug.
Situation 1
Is everything ok?
I’m feeling a little down today.
Can I do anything to make you feel better?
I could use a hug.
Situation 2
How have you been since your dog passed?
I’ve been okay.
The house seems awfully quiet though.
Sin embargo, la casa parece terriblemente silenciosa.
What can I do to brighten your day?
I could use a hug.
02
I could use a drink.
Situation 1
Hey, do you have time tonight?
I can meet tonight.
I could use a drink.
Sure, you sound stressed.
Let’s meet at that lounge on 5th.
Nos vemos en ese lounge en la 5ª.
Situation 2
What a day!
I could use a drink.
Me too.
Wanna go for a nice cold beer?
¿Quieres ir por una cerveza bien fría?
Absolutely.
03
I could use a friend.
Situation 1
I’ve been so depressed lately.
Sounds like you’re still grieving.
I could use a friend.
Podría usar un amigo.
You’re talking to one right now.
I’m here for you.
Estoy aquí para ti.
Situation 2
I’ve been a mess since the break up.
You look really sad today.
I could use a friend.
Podría usar un amigo.
Let’s do something to get your mind off of things.
04
I could use a shower.
Situation 1
You’re so sweaty!
I’ve been at the construction site all day.
You need to wash up, we’re having guests over for dinner.
I could use a shower.
I’ll get ready real quick.
Me prepararé rápidamente.
Situation 2
I went for a long run this morning.
I thought you took longer than usual to get home.
I could use a shower.
I’ll have breakfast ready for you.
05
I could use some fresh air.
Situation 1
Some days I feel like I need therapy.
Does being a psychologist drain you?
I feel like I get so emotional with my Tuesday patients.
I could use some fresh air.
Me vendría bien un poco de aire fresco.
Let’s go for a walk and get some coffee.
Self-care is important too!
¡El autocuidado también es importante!
Situation 2
I could use some fresh air.
Is something bothering you?
I’m upset because I couldn’t save someone from the fire last night.
You can’t save everyone.
Go out and get your mind off of things.
Sal y despeja tu mente.
Writer's Note
Another word to describe "I could use" is "want, need", or "wish I had". Try and substitute "I could use" with the suggested alternatives. Do they fit? Do you have other phrases or situations in your life where you use "want, need", or "wish I had"?
Here are some of my examples:
- I could use a friend. 👉 I need a friend.
- I could use a drink. 👉 I want a drink.
- I could use a new laptop. 👉 I need a new laptop.
- I could use some extra cash. 👉 I wish I had some extra cash.
- I could use some new paintbrushes. 👉 I want some new paintbrushes.
- I could use a bike to get around. 👉 I wish I had a bike to get around.