apoyo, por favor
/aˈpoʝo poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
The English phrase "backup please" can be translated into Spanish as apoyo, por favor.
This phrase is used to request additional personnel or assistance to help in a difficult or dangerous situation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, ¿Me echas una mano, por favor? means "Can you give me a hand, please?"
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈpoʝo poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- When asking for help in an informal way, you might hear the phrase échame un cabo. While it sounds like you are asking for a rope or a cable, it is actually a slang expression for asking for a favor or assistance.
- While apoyo means 'backup' or 'support', the verb apoyar also means 'to lean' against something, such as a wall or a table.
- In a high-stakes military or police setting, a caller might ignore apoyo entirely and shout refuerzos. This term specifically demands more human bodies to bolster a position, rather than general assistance.
Examples in context
- Necesito respaldo urgente, por favorI need backup urgently, please
- Necesito apoyo, por favor.I need backup, please.
- Envíenme apoyo, por favor, es una emergencia.Send me backup, please, it is an emergency.
- Traigan más apoyo, por favor.Bring more backup, please.
Example conversation
Two security officers are dealing with a crowd at an event.
- MateoLucía, hay demasiada gente aquí.Lucía, there are too many people here.
- LucíaTienes razón, la situación es difícil.You are right, the situation is difficult.
- MateoVoy a pedir apoyo, por favor.I am going to ask for backup, please.
- LucíaHazlo rápido antes de que empeore.Do it quickly before it gets worse.
