How should I have said this...proper;y?
I had this "conversation" on IG but obviously did not say what I meant to say.

Me: Sí, gracias. ¡Eres muy servicial!
Her: No te creas, odio llevar los cafés.
Me: Debería haber utilizado una palabra diferente?
Her: No sé qué querías decir exactamente, pero "servicial" significa dispuesto a servir.
Me: Tal vez práctico o positivo están mejor?
Her: Si te refieres a "simplicidad", lo más parecido es práctico, sí.

Her last sentence refers to the original topic of discussion -- what is the difference between "simplicidad" and "simpleza." I meant to say in the first line, "Thank you. You are very helpful." Obviously, I did not use the correct adjective. Can you help me with a better phrase?

Thanks in advance!

Question

How should I have said this...proper;y?
I had this "conversation" on IG but obviously did not say what I meant to say.

Me: Sí, gracias. ¡Eres muy servicial!
Her: No te creas, odio llevar los cafés.
Me: Debería haber utilizado una palabra diferente?
Her: No sé qué querías decir exactamente, pero "servicial" significa dispuesto a servir. 
Me: Tal vez práctico o positivo están mejor?
Her: Si te refieres a "simplicidad", lo más parecido es práctico, sí.

Her last sentence refers to the original topic of discussion -- what is the difference between "simplicidad" and "simpleza." I meant to say in the first line, "Thank you. You are very helpful." Obviously, I did not use the correct adjective. Can you help me with a better phrase?

Thanks in advance!

Answer

Hello! Actually, what you said was absolutely correct. You can check it at Real Academia Española dictionary: http://dle.rae.es/?id=XhXUz8k

servicial
De servicio.
1. adj. Que sirve con cuidado, diligencia y obsequio.
2. adj. Pronto a complacer y servir a otros.
3. m. Lavativa, ayuda, clister.
4. m. desus. sirviente.
Real Academia Española © Todos los derechos reservados

In this case, the girl understood the word "servicial" as its second possible meaning (Pronto a complacer y servir a otros), but what your intention was to use the first possible sense of the word (Que sirve con cuidado, diligencia y obsequio).

In conclusion, it wasn't your fault, but a lack of knowledge of that girl about her own language. I think she was just a bit tired of working and answered in that way. Anyway, as other people said, you could use something neutral, as "Muchas gracias, muy amable", or just "Muchas gracias". But don't hesitate to use your initial proposal again because it is absolutely correct!

Answer

Hi there.

I used to live in Spain, and i travelled to many counties down here in South America. And i never saw any native speaker say something like that. Relax, you are thinking in english,spanish is more direct language. Try to think in spanish. Just use:" gracias, muy amable.". Serves well for any situation.

Answer

El uso de la palabra, técnicamente, es correcto, pero no se suele usar en estos casos. Una mejor alternativa sería decir eres muy atent@. Practico o positivo son palabras que tampoco aplicarían mucho en este caso.  Otra respuesta cuando traen un café es perfecto, muchas gracias!!!  No es necesario decirle que es una gran profesional porque ha traído el café ....

Answers · 3

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!