¿estás usando el teléfono?
The English phrase "are you using the telephone?" is translated into Spanish as ¿estás usando el teléfono?
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone is currently in the process of using a telephone.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase estás usando is a literal translation of "you are using", combining the verb estar (to be) and the gerund usando (using).
Which one should you use?
The informal phrase ¿Estás en el teléfono? translates to "Are you on the phone?" and ¿Estás hablando por teléfono? means "Are you talking on the phone?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries like Mexico, Argentina and Colombia, people use the phrase ¿Estás usando el celular? to ask if someone is using their cellphone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form ¿estás usando el teléfono? uses the informal tú. When addressing someone with the formal usted, use the form ¿está usando el teléfono?
Did you know?
- The Spanish word celular for cellphone is a common term in the Americas, whereas in Spain, you would almost exclusively hear the word móvil.
- The root of teléfono comes from the Greek 'têle', meaning 'far off', which is the same root found in the English word 'telescope'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people use the phrase estoy al teléfono, which literally means 'I am at the telephone', to indicate they are currently in a call.
Examples in context
- No, no estoy usando el teléfono ahora.No, I am not using the telephone now.
Example conversation
Lucía sees Alejandro holding the house phone.
- LucíaHola Alejandro, ¿estás usando el teléfono?Hi Alejandro, are you using the telephone?
- AlejandroNo, ya terminé de hablar.No, I already finished talking.
- LucíaPerfecto, necesito hacer una llamada rápida.Perfect, I need to make a quick call.
- AlejandroClaro, tómalo.Sure, take it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, teléfono, CC BY-SA 4.0.
