Fluent Spanish speakers: I need help figuring out how to say this...?

Question

I'm fairly proficient in Spanish, but I don't really know how to get this idea across in Spanish.

I have a Spanish speaking friend that likes me, but I don't like him in *that* way. I'm planning out what to say when I tell him that I don't like him like that, but I want to let him know that I still want to be his friend. In English, I would want to tell him something like: "I would much rather be your friend than nothing at all."

I was thinking of something like this: "Pero preferiría más ser tu amiga que nada". Does that sound OK to you? It doesn't sound quite right to me, though I'm not sure why. Suggestions? Alter the phrasing as you see fit, because the idea might be a little hard to translate.

Muchas gracias

(PS-- Please, people, No online translators!! I may not be fluent, but I can tell when something sounds silly. Oh, and yes, I do know all the vulgar words, so none of that, please.)

Oh, and no, he doesn't speak very much English. I would prefer to say it in English, just so I could be sure I'm getting the right idea across, but I guess this will be a good learning experience for me... they just don't teach you the words for these situations in your high school Spanish classes. :)

Yeah, I'm realizing that the English sentence isn't entirely what I wanted to say either. But, you know how it is when you plan out what you want to say, and it just flows into that sounds off out of context..? Maybe that's just me :)

Thanks for all the suggestions so far... I'm talking to him tonight, so I guess I'll find out what works.

Answer 1

Here are some suggestions, pick the one that suits your personality and the situation best:

1 - "Te quiero como amigo".
2 - "Te quiero, pero no estoy enamorada de ti".
3 - "No siento lo mismo que tú, pero no quisiera perderte como amigo".
4 - "No siento lo mismo que tú, pero me importa tu amistad".
5.- "No siento lo mismo que tú, pero podemos seguir siendo amigos, ¿no?"

As a man, if I HAD to hear any of these from a woman (who am I kidding? I HAVE heard them, too! :( ), I'd rather hear number 3. That's because it stabs you first, but then it leaves you with the feeling that you haven't lost it all. And I'd say that number 1 is the single most hated and feared thing for a man in love. It's almost a classic. I'm feeling tempted to actually erase it, before posting this, but since it's linguistic help you're asking for (rather than psychological advice) I will have to leave it, too in the interest of science... But do me a favour. Don't use it, unless you really must... lol.

As for your suggestion, I think it's technically okay, but I "smell" the English version behind it. Maybe, that's just because I read it first in English. But then again, you know your way with languages, and you know that some sentences suit different speakers better than others. Pick the one you feel most comfortable with.

Answer 2

Hola

I'm a native Spanish speaker. It's very delicate what you're trying to say. I once said something like that and ended up screwing everything and appologysing. Anyway, you can try:

pero preferiría seguir siendo solo amigos, al menos por el momento.

The al menos por el momento leaves a door open for the other person to pursue the friendship, otherwise, any latino would translate your words as a rejection.

Buena suerte!!

Answer 3

The proper way goes like this: "Pero preferiria ser solo tu amiga mas que nada."

Answer 4

Here's something you might try that's close to what you want to say. Aunque no me siento atraída a ti románticamente, siento mucho cariño por ti y me gustaría ser tu amiga y no perder nuestra amistad. The rough translation is: Although I'm not attracted to you romantically, I care about you and would like to be your friend rather than lose our friendship. Buena suerte!

Answer 5

I don't think the English sentence you're trying to translate quite captures your situation, either.

I like cidhi's answer, and the one from the native speaker below it. These seem to be well-worded and just at the right level of politeness.

Sorry you're in this tough spot! I hope it works out!

Answer 6

Hmmmm... in any case it's going be tough... anyway, I would say something like: "Sabes? Yo te quiero y aprecio mucho, pero como amigo, y me haria muy feliz que siguieramos siendo amigos" (you know, I love and appreciate you very much, but as a friend, and I'd be very happy if we stayed friends ). That way, he will see that you really care about his friendship. If he really cares for you, he will understand and stay friends. If he doesn't, it's just because he likes you in *that* way and you won't miss anything.

Answer 7

"prefiero seguir siendo tu amiga" or "quisiera que continuáramos como amigos" sound good to me. i'd leave the "más que nada" out, doesn't feel right.

Answer 8

no te quiero en esa forma, pero prefiero ser tu amiga a no ser nada.

Answer 9

I find it great that you speak Spanish. Other people should learn. Personally, I'm Dominican, and I would so respect someone who gave that as an answer. It's perfect!

Answer 10

Tu eres mi amigo bueno para eternidad.