27 Comments
A caution for those who are not native English speakers: One would say, "I would like to have a secretary." "I want a secretary" can have a meaning that is not acceptable in the business world or in general company.
79
I don't know...I think "I want a secretary" is perfectly fine to say in the business world or in general company, as long as you don't say it with any sort of inappropriate innuendo. If you're just saying to your boss or co-workers, or friends or family or whomever, that you want a secretary (because presumably, you're overworked, or maybe just lazy), I don't think anybody would react negatively.
- 900
Just remember that 'I would like to have a secretary' is Jag skulle vilja ha en sekreterare in Swedish. vill ha vs skulle vilja ha correspond very well to the English want vs would like.
- 900
I think mostly it's a difference in politeness/directness. want is more direct and would like is more polite.
I think it's a joke about 'want' meaning a sexual need, like when somebody wants someone badly. Usually that's directed at a specific person though, nobody would hear "I want a secretary" and assume that meaning
Tack! Although I can't say that I'm happy that the subjunctive is lurking in my future......
I'd be more likely to say "I need a secretary," regardless of the circumstances.
I disagree comepletely. It doesnt have that meaning at all unless you specifically say it in a way that implies it. Its perfectly fine to say.
Can soneone tell me why is there en before sekreterare ? I thought you dont use them when talking about jobs
I think the difference is whether you are talking about a specific person or not.
If you say I am a secretary, you don't use the 'en' because you are talking about a specific person (me). Here, the word secretary is describing "my job title".
If you say I want a secretary, you are not talking about a specific person. Here, the word secretary is describing "a person who does that type of job".
Not sure if I've explained that well, but hope it makes sense.
- 900
When what you want is a noun. Read more here: https://www.duolingo.com/comment/5892480
Is a secretary not more or less the same thing as a personal assistant / pa?
Directly translates that would be "Jag skulle vilja ha en sekreterare". "Vill" - "want", present tense. "Skulle vilja" - "would like", present subjunctive.
Just to confirm... sekreterare is the singular and plural form of secretary, am I right?
