What does it mean
I keep hearing a phrase "Que le pongo" used as "May I help you" or "What would you like". Something to this effect. It doesn't really make sense used this way. What does it mean? Poner means to put.
Hola,
The verb "poner" does translate as "to put" (that is, to place something) but it is also used in set expressions and in ways which don't exist in English.
¿Qué le pongo? thus translates literally as "What can I put you?" - but is actually a set expression which asks "What can I give you?" or "What would you like?" usually heard in restaurants or bars.
So I recommend you remember ¿Qué le pongo? as a set expression - and forget what it 'literally' translates as.
Hope that helps!
- Mauricio
The verb "poner" does translate as "to put" (that is, to place something) but it is also used in set expressions and in ways which don't exist in English.
¿Qué le pongo? thus translates literally as "What can I put you?" - but is actually a set expression which asks "What can I give you?" or "What would you like?" usually heard in restaurants or bars.
So I recommend you remember ¿Qué le pongo? as a set expression - and forget what it 'literally' translates as.
Hope that helps!
- Mauricio
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