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Spanish Phrase

¿Puedes mandar a alguien?

/ˈpwe.ðes manˈdar a alˈɣjen/
Meaning"Can you send someone?"
💡

Meaning

Literally, ‘Can you send someone?’ It is a polite request asking the listener to arrange for a person to be sent somewhere or to perform a task. The phrase can refer to sending a messenger, a colleague, or even a friend, depending on context.

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When to use

Use this question when you need another person to be dispatched – for example, asking a coworker to send a technician, requesting a friend to bring a guest, or in a customer‑service setting where you need a representative to be sent to a location.

✦Grammar Breakdown

¿Puedesmandaraalguien?

1

Poder (present)

‘Puedes’ is the second‑person singular present of the modal verb poder, used to ask for ability or permission.

2

Infinitive after poder

When poder is followed by another verb, that verb stays in the infinitive (mandar).

3

Preposition ‘a’ with personal objects

Spanish requires the preposition ‘a’ before a direct object that refers to a person (a alguien).

4

Indefinite pronoun ‘alguien’

‘Alguien’ means ‘someone’ or ‘somebody’; it is gender‑neutral and works with any verb.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Puedes mandar a alguien para arreglar la fuga?

Can you send someone to fix the leak?

Sí, llamo al plomero ahora mismo.

Yes, I’ll call the plumber right away.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿Puedes mandar alguien?

    The preposition ‘a’ is required before a personal direct object.

  • ¿Puedes mandar a alguien?

    In formal contexts this sounds too casual; use ‘¿Podría…?’ or add ‘por favor’.

  • ¿Puedes mandar a alguien?

    If you need to specify a destination, include it after the object, e.g., ‘mandar a alguien al almacén’. Leaving the preposition dangling is incorrect.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Podrías enviar a alguien?

    Could you send someone?

  • ¿Puedes que alguien venga?

    Can you have someone come?

  • ¿Hay alguien que pueda ir?

    Is there anyone who can go?

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Cultural Tip

In most Spanish‑speaking countries, ‘¿Puedes…?’ is informal. If you’re speaking to a stranger, a superior, or in a formal setting, switch to ‘¿Podría…?’ or add a courtesy phrase such as ‘por favor’. Also, be aware that ‘mandar a alguien’ can sound a bit commanding; if you want to sound softer, use ‘enviar’ or the periphrastic ‘hacer que alguien vaya’.