how do I say this: It would be great if

[andApples]

How do I say this:

 

1. It would be great if you could install Facebook on your phone again

 

2. My phone number is...

[tgeezer]

I would say "Can you install Facebook in your phone again" 

1. ผมอยากให้คุณกลับเอาfaceมาใช้ในมือถือ

2. เบอร์โทรศัพท์ผมคือ ... 

[CaptHaddock]

The purpose of the English phrase "it would be great if" is to soften the request to avoid any impression of giving an order, the literal meaning being irrelevant.   Of course, it is possible to make a literal translation which would be something like

 

ถ้าคุณจะติด Facebook มือถืออีกครั้ง ก็ดี

 

But it would not have the meaning of softening a request.  I think the Thai listener may be puzzled as to whether a request is actually being made.  It sounds more like a statement.

 

The usual way to soften a request in Thai is this:

 

ช่วยติด Facebook กับมืถืออีกหน่อย ได้ไหมครับ

 

When we are trying to find ways to translate English statements, it's best to start with the most straightforward English version that doesn't rely on idioms, metaphors, mottos, or favorite phrases from movies and other sources.  These will almost never translate literally.  So, if we are inclined to say, "A stitch in time saves nine," then we should start with something like, "It would be better to address the problem sooner, don't you think?" 

 

Edited September 27, 2017 by CaptHaddock

[DiveDove]

1. มันคงจะดีถ้าคุณดาวโหลดเฟสบุ๊คในมือถือ

2. เบอร์โทรของผมคือ

[Johpa]

To soften a request I might just begin the statement with ขอ.