assimilation

[peter123]

Hi there,

How do native speakers say the following question?

Can I take this hat off?
(Can I take thi-satof?)


Thanks
pete

[David L.]

(Can I take thi-satof?)
Yes - if you're drunk and slurring your speech.
The correct expression would be:
May I take my hat off?
or
"Do you mind if I take my hat off."

But in your example, the words are pronounced separately, not slurred together; though in moving the mouth around quickly enough to follow the 'a' sound in 'hat' with the 'o' sound in 'off', it might seem as if 'hatoff' is being said.

[peter123]

Hi there,

Actually, the speaker is wearing a birthday hat as a gift by his friends. He speaks with one of his friends in his birthday. It seemed he feels it is too childish to wear such a hat. So it is not impression. I think it is still OK to say:
Can I take this hat off?
thanks
pete

[David L.]

See how context helps.
I had the picture of someone in church!!

[peter123]

Hi there,
Thanks a lot.
So what does 'can' in 'Can I take the hat off?' suggest?

Thanks
pete