Spanish
1. Word Overview
- Native phrase: ¿Puedes llevar esto por mí?
- English translation: Can you carry this for me?
- Part of speech: Verb phrase
- IPA pronunciation: /ˈpweðes ʎeˈβaɾ ˈesto poɾ mi/
2. Example Sentence
Spanish: ¿Puedes llevar esto por mí mientras abro la puerta? English: “Can you carry this for me while I open the door?” Tip: Llevar means “to carry” or “to bring.” The preposition por marks purpose or benefit.
3. Mini Grammar/Culture Note
When speaking formally, you can say: ¿Puede llevar esto por mí? using usted. Esto (“this”) refers to a nearby object.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Speaking prompt: Practice the question while imagining holding something and asking for help.
Italian
1. Word Overview
- Native phrase: Puoi portare questo per me?
- English translation: Can you carry this for me?
- Part of speech: Verb phrase
- IPA pronunciation: /ˈpwɔi porˈtaːre ˈkwɛsto per me/
2. Example Sentence
Italian: Puoi portare questo per me mentre cerco le chiavi? English: “Can you carry this for me while I search for the keys?” Tip: Portare is “to carry” or “to bring.” Per indicates benefit.
3. Mini Grammar/Culture Note
For polite/formal requests, use Lei: Può portare questo per me? with capitalization. Casual when speaking to friends.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Writing prompt: Write the phrase adding where or when: Puoi portare questo per me a casa?
Portuguese
1. Word Overview
- Native phrase: Você pode carregar isto para mim?
- English translation: Can you carry this for me?
- Part of speech: Verb phrase
- IPA pronunciation: /voˈse ˈpodʒi kaʁɡeˈɾaʁ ˈistu paɾa ˈmĩ/
2. Example Sentence
Portuguese: Você pode carregar isto para mim até o carro? English: “Can you carry this for me to the car?” Tip: Carregar is “to carry” or “to load.” Para mim indicates benefit.
3. Mini Grammar/Culture Note
In more casual Brazilian Portuguese, people often say: Pode carregar isso pra mim? with pra instead of para.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Listening activity: Record yourself saying the sentence, then check if carregar isto flows naturally.
German
1. Word Overview
- Native phrase: Kannst du das für mich tragen?
- English translation: Can you carry this for me?
- Part of speech: Verb phrase
- IPA pronunciation: /kanst du das fyːɐ̯ mɪç ˈtraːɡən/
2. Example Sentence
German: Kannst du das für mich tragen, während ich die Tür halte? English: “Can you carry this for me while I hold the door?” Tip: Tragen means “to carry.” Für mich means “for me.” Word order keeps the verb second.
3. Mini Grammar/Culture Note
German uses separable verbs; für mich stays after the object. For formal, use: Könnten Sie das für mich tragen?
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Speaking prompt: Say it as if giving someone an item—focus on clear pronunciation of tragen.
French
1. Word Overview
- Native phrase: Peux-tu porter ceci pour moi ?
- English translation: Can you carry this for me?
- Part of speech: Verb phrase
- IPA pronunciation: /pø ty pɔʁte səˈsi pur mwa/
2. Example Sentence
French: Peux-tu porter ceci pour moi pendant que je ramasse mes affaires ? English: “Can you carry this for me while I gather my things?” Tip: Porter is “carry” or “wear.” Pour moi means “for me.” Use Peux-tu for informal.
3. Mini Grammar/Culture Note
For politeness or addressing strangers, use Pouvez-vous porter ceci pour moi ? with formal vous.
4. Daily Practice Challenge
Writing prompt: Text a friend: Peux-tu porter ceci pour moi à la cuisine ?
Multilingual Bonus Comparison
| Language | Phrase | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | ¿Puedes llevar esto por mí? | /ˈpweðes ʎeˈβaɾ ˈesto poɾ mi/ |
| Italian | Puoi portare questo per me? | /ˈpwɔi porˈtaːre ˈkwɛsto per me/ |
| Portuguese | Você pode carregar isto para mim? | /voˈse ˈpodʒi kaʁɡeˈɾaʁ ˈistu paɾa ˈmĩ/ |
| German | Kannst du das für mich tragen? | /kanst du das fyːɐ̯ mɪç ˈtraːɡən/ |
| French | Peux-tu porter ceci pour moi ? | /pø ty pɔʁte səˈsi pur mwa/ |
Final Daily Practice Challenge
Choose two languages and:
- Speak: Record yourself asking someone to carry something for you, perhaps miming with an object.
- Write: Compose a short message: e.g., Puoi portare questo per me a scuola?
