Spanish Phrase
Sí, te lo puedo devolver.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and polite way to confirm your ability to give something back to someone. 'Sí' means 'yes', 'te' refers to 'to you', 'lo' refers to 'it' (a masculine singular object), and 'puedo devolver' means 'I can return'. It's a common and useful expression in everyday Spanish.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks if you can return an item they lent you, or if you are confirming your ability to give something back to them. It's appropriate for most informal to semi-formal situations, showing readiness and politeness.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sítelopuedodevolver
Sí
'Sí' is a simple affirmation meaning 'yes'. It's used to agree or confirm something.
te
'te' is an indirect object pronoun meaning 'to you' or 'for you'. It indicates who receives the action of the verb.
lo
'lo' is a direct object pronoun meaning 'it' (masculine singular). It refers to the item being returned.
puedo
'puedo' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'poder' (to be able to, can). It expresses ability or permission.
devolver
'devolver' is an infinitive verb meaning 'to return' or 'to give back'. It's commonly used for returning objects to their owner.
Pronoun Placement
When you have a conjugated verb followed by an infinitive (like 'puedo devolver'), object pronouns ('te lo') can either precede the conjugated verb ('te lo puedo devolver') or be attached to the infinitive ('puedo devolvértelo'). Both are grammatically correct, but the former is often more common in spoken Spanish.
🗨In Conversation
¿Me puedes devolver el libro mañana?
Can you return the book to me tomorrow?
Sí, te lo puedo devolver.
Yes, I can return it to you.
✕Common Mistakes
Sí, puedo devolverte lo.
When using a conjugated verb followed by an infinitive, object pronouns ('te' and 'lo') typically either precede the conjugated verb (as in the correct phrase) or are attached to the infinitive as a single unit (e.g., 'puedo devolvértelo'). They cannot be split like this.
Sí, te puedo devolver.
If you are returning a specific item, you need the direct object pronoun ('lo' for masculine singular, 'la' for feminine singular) to refer to it. Without 'lo', the phrase means 'I can return to you', but doesn't specify what is being returned.
Sí, te lo puedo regresar.
While 'regresar' also means 'to return', 'devolver' is specifically used for returning an item to its owner or original place. 'Regresar' is more commonly used for returning to a place or coming back yourself.
↔Alternatives
Sí, puedo devolvértelo.
Yes, I can return it to you.
Claro, te lo devuelvo ahora mismo.
Of course, I'll return it to you right now.
Sí, no hay problema, te lo doy.
Yes, no problem, I'll give it to you.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish-speaking cultures, returning borrowed items promptly is a sign of respect and good manners. Using this phrase clearly and confidently assures the other person that their item will be returned. The correct use of direct and indirect object pronouns together is a hallmark of natural-sounding Spanish and demonstrates fluency.