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Spanish Phrase

Les puedo tomar un recado.

/les ˈpwe.ðo toˈmaɾ un reˈka.ðo/
Meaning"I can take a message for you (plural)."
💡

Meaning

The speaker is offering to take a message (or run a quick errand) on behalf of the listeners. It conveys willingness and ability to act as a messenger.

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When to use

Use this phrase when someone asks you to deliver a note, a phone message, or to perform a brief task for them. It’s common in informal or semi‑formal settings, such as among friends, family, or coworkers.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Lespuedotomarunrecado

1

Indirect object pronoun (les)

‘Les’ is the third‑person plural indirect object pronoun, placed before a conjugated verb to indicate ‘to them/you (plural)’.

2

Modal verb poder + infinitive

‘Puedo’ (I can) is followed by an infinitive (tomar) to express ability or permission.

3

Verb placement

When a modal verb is conjugated, the infinitive stays after it; the pronoun stays before the conjugated verb.

4

Recado meaning

‘Recado’ can mean a short message to be delivered or a small errand; context decides which sense applies.

🗨In Conversation

A

¿Puedes tomar el recado para mis padres?

Can you take the message for my parents?

Claro, les puedo tomar un recado.

Sure, I can take a message for them.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Los puedo tomar un recado.

    ‘Los’ is a direct object pronoun; the phrase needs an indirect object pronoun, so ‘les’ is correct.

  • Les tomar puedo un recado.

    When using a modal verb, the infinitive follows the conjugated verb, not the other way around.

  • Les puedo tomar un recado a ustedes.

    Redundant; the indirect object pronoun already indicates ‘to you’. Use either the pronoun or the explicit phrase, not both.

↔Alternatives

  • Puedo llevarles un recado.

    I can deliver a message for you.

  • Les puedo hacer un recado.

    I can run an errand for you.

  • Puedo pasarles un recado.

    I can pass a message to you.

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Cultural Tip

In many Spanish‑speaking countries, ‘tomar un recado’ is a routine way to say you’ll deliver a short message or run a quick errand. It’s polite to ask before offering, and the indirect object pronoun ‘les’ signals respect when addressing more than one person or someone you don’t know well.