Prestar - Emprestar

[silopanna]

People,

What is the difference between prestar and emprestar? Does it depend on the direction the action is going?

For example, how would one say: "Could you lend me five Euros?"

Or: "I'll lend it to you untill tomorrow."

Thanks in advance,

Dean

[poli]

Originally Posted by silopanna

People,

What is the difference between prestar and emprestar? Does it depend on the direction the action is going?

For example, how would one say: "Could you lend me five Euros?"

Or: "I'll lend it to you untill tomorrow."

Thanks in advance,

Dean

It's mor common to use prestar. Emprestar is a word I haven't come across much. It has more to do with asking for a loan (as in loan from a bank). More commonly you would use pedir un préstimo when asking for a loan.

[Rusty]

Emprestar is a word that has fallen out of common use. Use prestar or pedirle un préstamo a ... (when dealing with an institution).

Could you lend me ...
= ¿Me prestas ...?
= ¿Puedes/Podrías prestarme ...?

I'll lend it until ...
= Te lo presto hasta ...

[silopanna]

I thank both Poli and Rusty for their nice replies.

Silopanna Dean