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Spanish Phrase

¿Me das otra servilleta?

/me ˈdas ˈo.tɾa ser.βiˈʎe.ta/
Meaning"Could you give me another napkin?"
💡

Meaning

A polite request asking someone to hand you another napkin. The question mark at the beginning signals that it is a question in Spanish.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase in informal or semi‑formal settings such as a café, restaurant, or at a friend's house when you need a fresh napkin. It works best when you already have a rapport with the person you’re asking.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Medasotraservilleta

1

Me (indirect object pronoun)

‘Me’ replaces ‘to me’; it goes before the verb in most affirmative sentences.

2

Das (present of dar)

‘Das’ is the second‑person singular (tú) present of ‘dar’ – ‘you give’. It agrees with the subject that is understood (tú).

3

Otra (indefinite adjective)

‘Otra’ means ‘another’ and must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies (servilleta → feminine singular).

4

Servilleta (noun)

A feminine noun meaning ‘napkin’; the article is omitted in a request because the noun is preceded by the adjective ‘otra’.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Me das otra servilleta, por favor?

Could you give me another napkin, please?

Claro, aquí tienes.

Sure, here you go.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • ¿Me das otro servilleta?

    ‘Servilleta’ is feminine, so the adjective must be ‘otra’, not ‘otro’.

  • ¿Dame otra servilleta?

    ‘Dame’ is a command (imperative). In a question you need the indicative ‘das’ unless you use a more polite form like ‘¿Podrías darme…?’.

  • Me das otra servilleta?

    Spanish questions require opening and closing question marks.

↔Alternatives

  • ¿Podrías darme otra servilleta?

    Could you give me another napkin?

  • ¿Me puedes pasar otra servilleta?

    Can you pass me another napkin?

  • ¿Me trae otra servilleta, por favor?

    Would you bring me another napkin, please?

es

Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries it is common to add ‘por favor’ after the request to soften it, especially in formal settings. Using ‘¿Me das…?’ is perfectly natural in casual conversation, but remember that the verb ‘dar’ is conjugated for the person you’re speaking to (tú). In some regions, waitstaff may prefer the more formal ‘¿Podría darme…?’ when addressing strangers.