How to Ask for and Respond to Favors in Spanish
Learning how to ask for a favor in Spanish and how to respond politely is essential for sounding natural and respectful. Here are the most common expressions.
How to Ask for a Favor
Formal:
Used in professional or polite situations with your boss, teacher, or someone you don’t know well.
- ¿Podría ayudarme con…? → Could you help me with…?
- Necesitaría que me hiciera un favor. → I’d need you to do me a favor.
- Le agradecería que… → I’d really appreciate it if you could…
Tip: In formal Spanish, the conditional tense (podría, agradecería) makes your request sound more polite.
Neutral:
Perfect for colleagues, acquaintances, or people you know but still want to be respectful with.
- ¿Me harías un favor? → Would you do me a favor?
- ¿Podrías echarme una mano? → Could you give me a hand?
- Te agradecería que… → I’d appreciate it if you could…
Informal:
Used with friends, close relatives, or people you trust.
- Hazme un favor, anda. → Do me a favor, will you?
- ¿Me echas un cable? → Can you give me a hand? / Can you help me out?
- ¿Puedes hacerme un favor? → Can you do me a favor?
How to Respond to a Favor
Accepting the favor:
- ¡Por supuesto! → Of course!
- Encantado / Encantada. → Sure thing! / Happy to help!
- Claro, sin problema. → Sure, no problem.
Hesitating or asking for time:
- Tengo que pensarlo. → I need to think about it.
- No estoy seguro, depende. → I’m not sure — it depends.
Politely refusing a favor:
- Lo lamento, pero (es que)… → I’m sorry, but… / Unfortunately, I can’t because…
- No creo que pueda, salvo que… → I don’t think I can, unless…
- Ojalá pudiera, pero no puedo. → I wish I could, but I can’t.
In Spanish, using a reason or an excuse helps your refusal sound kinder just like in English!
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