Phrase · 📨 Passing on messages
Manda decir tu tía que el domingo los espera a comer.
Your aunt sent word that she’s expecting you all for lunch on Sunday.
B1passing on messagesinformalAudio · coming soon
Why every word is where it is
Manda1verbsends (word)mandar · present · 3rd sing.decir1verbsayinfinitivetudetermineryour2nd sing.tíanounaunttío · fem. · sing.que1conjunctionthateldeterminer(on) themasc. · sing. · definitedomingonounSundaymasc. · sing.los2object pronounyou all3rd pl. · direct objectesperaverbshe expectsesperar · present · 3rd sing.a3prepositionfor, tocomer3verbeat (lunch)infinitive.
- Manda → decir: mandar decir
- tía → Manda: tu tía → manda (3rd sg.)
- los → espera: object of esperar
- espera → comer: esperar a + infinitive
Why it's built this way
The notes match the numbers above.
- 1mandar decir que = to send word that; common in Latin America for passing on messages. Reported speech I and indirect questions →
- 2los = you all (ustedes), the direct object of esperar. Direct object pronouns and personal a →
- 3esperar a alguien a comer = to expect someone for a meal; comer is often the midday meal.
Variations
- Dice tu tía que el domingo los espera a comer.
- Manda decir tu tía que el domingo te espera a comer.