I think I might have pseudo-translated a Danish expression into English, but I'm not sure and hence my question: Is "If you want me something, I'll be here." a proper and/or common expression for 'if you have any business with me' / 'need something from me' / etc? I wanted to use it because it sounds casual (to my ear), but only if it's also a natural and common expression in English. Thanks.
Yep, you have it right. It is natural and not uncommon. You missed out the for though: If you want me for something... Rather more common (about these parts anyhow) is If you need me for anything... which does pretty much the same job as your effort.
Thanks, and yeah, they sound more like proper English to me as well. The thing is just (and it's a small technicality) that the Danish expression suggests something like "if you want something onto me" and is ambivalent whether that something is good or bad. It could mean "need me for somehting" as well as "Want to do me harm" Is there a similar one in English?
If I thought somebody meant me harm, I wouldn't tell them where I was going to be! I suppose "if you want me for anything" has that meaning hidden in it, we just wouldn't think of it until the person we spoke to turned up with the axe.
The expression If you want me, you know where to find me is often used when there is some unpleasantness between the parties. It can represent something of a snub; it can indicate that the speaker knows that those addressed would seek him out for their own ends, not his. or perhaps If you want me, no doubt you'll be able to find me. The connotation (sometimes) here: those seeking to do harm, to take revenge (whatever), will be willing to go to great lengths to find their target. (Those who want to do a chap a favour might give up if they can't locate him with a phone call...)
I understand what you mean, the swedish language has this same expression and some of them are really hard to find an english equivalent for. I think a simple "if you need me" or "if there's anything I can do to help you" are the best translations I can come up with.
