Inklingo

How to Say "hand me" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “hand me” is “dame” — use 'dame' for a direct, informal command to give you a nearby object. It's the most common and versatile option for everyday, casual requests..

dame🔊A1

Use 'dame' for a direct, informal command to give you a nearby object. It's the most common and versatile option for everyday, casual requests.

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pásameA1

Use 'pásame' when you are asking someone to physically pass an object to you, implying it might be slightly out of reach or requires them to move it towards you.

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deme🔊A1

Use 'deme' in formal situations when requesting an object from someone you address with 'usted'. It's the formal equivalent of 'dame'.

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pasarme🔊A1

Use 'pasarme' in a more polite or indirect request, often introduced by 'poder' (could you), asking someone to pass an object to you.

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denme🔊A2

Use 'denme' when making a request to multiple people (ustedes) to give or pass something, or when asking for something abstract like time.

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English → Spanish

dame

/DAH-meh//ˈda.me/

Verb (Command Form)A1Informal
Use 'dame' for a direct, informal command to give you a nearby object. It's the most common and versatile option for everyday, casual requests.
A simple storybook illustration showing one person handing a bright red apple to another person, symbolizing the fulfillment of the command 'give me'.

Examples

Dame el libro, por favor.

Give me the book, please.

Dame un minuto, ya casi termino.

Give me a minute, I'm almost done.

Si tienes frío, dame la mano.

If you're cold, give me your hand.

Two Words in One!

'Dame' is actually two words squished together: 'da' (the command 'give') and 'me' ('to me' or 'me'). When you give a positive command in Spanish, you attach these little words directly to the end of the verb.

Informal 'You' (tú)

'Dame' is the command you use with friends, family, or people your age (the 'tú' form). For someone you'd address as 'usted' (like a boss or a stranger), you would say 'déme'.

Negative Commands are Different

Mistake: “No dame eso.”

Correction: No me des eso. (Don't give me that.) For negative commands ('don't do something'), the little word 'me' moves to the front of the verb, and the verb form changes. They don't stick together like they do for positive commands.

'dame' vs. 'darme'

Mistake: “Quiero dame un regalo.”

Correction: Quiero darme un regalo. (I want to give myself a gift.) 'Dame' is only for commands. When it follows another verb like 'quiero' (I want) or 'puedes' (you can), you need the base form 'darme'.

pásame

Verb (Command form)A1Informal
Use 'pásame' when you are asking someone to physically pass an object to you, implying it might be slightly out of reach or requires them to move it towards you.

Examples

Pásame la sal, por favor. Está justo a tu lado.

Pass me the salt, please. It's right next to you.

deme

DEH-meh/ˈde.me/

VerbA1Formal
Use 'deme' in formal situations when requesting an object from someone you address with 'usted'. It's the formal equivalent of 'dame'.
A colorful storybook illustration of two figures interacting. One figure, wearing blue, extends an empty, open hand, palm up, toward a second figure, wearing yellow, who is holding a single red apple, illustrating a polite but formal request.

Examples

Deme un vaso de agua, por favor.

Give me a glass of water, please.

Si no le gusta, deme el recibo y le devuelvo el dinero.

If you don't like it, give me the receipt and I will give you the money back.

Deme su número para llamarle mañana.

Give me your number so I can call you tomorrow.

A Command + A Pronoun

‘Deme’ is actually two words combined: the formal command form of the verb dar (dé) and the pronoun me (me). This structure means 'Give it/something to me.'

The Accent Mark Rule

When you attach pronouns to the end of a command, you often have to add an accent mark (tílde) to the verb to keep the original sound stress in the right place. The stress is on the first syllable: DÉ-me.

Incorrect Pronoun Placement

Mistake: “Me dé un café, por favor.”

Correction: Deme un café, por favor. In Spanish affirmative commands, the 'me' must always stick to the end of the verb.

Using the Informal Command

Mistake: “Dame un café, por favor. (When speaking to a stranger/boss)”

Correction: Deme un café, por favor. Use 'deme' when you need to be polite or formal, like talking to a waiter or a professional.

pasarme

pah-SAHR-meh/paˈsaɾme/

verbA1Polite/Informal
Use 'pasarme' in a more polite or indirect request, often introduced by 'poder' (could you), asking someone to pass an object to you.
A child on the left is extending their hand to pass a bright red apple to a child on the right, illustrating the transfer of an object.

Examples

¿Podrías pasarme la sal, por favor?

Could you pass me the salt, please?

Necesito pasarme el archivo antes de la reunión.

I need to transfer the file to myself before the meeting.

Infinitive + Me

When you see 'pasarme', it means the action of 'pasar' (to pass) is being directed at 'me' (myself/to me). The two words are joined together because 'pasar' is in its base form (infinitive).

Misplacement of 'me'

Mistake: “Me puedes pasar la sal.”

Correction: This is acceptable, but attaching the pronoun to the infinitive (Pasarme) or the gerund (Pasándome) is also very common. The rule is: if you have two verbs, the pronoun can go before the first one or attached to the second one.

denme

/DEN-meh//ˈdenme/

verbA2Plural/Formal or Informal
Use 'denme' when making a request to multiple people (ustedes) to give or pass something, or when asking for something abstract like time.
A group of people handing colorful apples to a single person holding out their hands.

Examples

Por favor, denme un momento para pensar.

Please, give me a moment to think.

¡Denme sus tareas ahora mismo!

Give me your homework right now!

Si tienen preguntas, denme una señal.

If you have questions, give me a sign.

The 'Stuck Together' Rule

When you give a direct command, pronouns like 'me' (me) get attached directly to the end of the action word to form a single word.

Addressing a Group

The 'den' part is the command form of 'dar' (to give) specifically used when you are talking to two or more people.

Using a Space

Mistake: “den me”

Correction: denme

Informal vs. Formal 'Give Me'

The most common confusion is between 'dame' (informal 'you') and 'deme' (formal 'usted'). Always use 'dame' with friends and family, and 'deme' with strangers, elders, or in professional settings to avoid sounding rude.

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