Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a polite or formal request, you can say Zou u mij willen bellen? which means "Could you please call me?" In informal settings, you can use Bel me alsjeblieft to say "please call me" or ask Wil je me bellen? to mean "Do you want to call me?" The phrase Kun je me even bellen? is also used informally to mean "Can you call me real quick?"
How does it change in a sentence?
When specifically referring to a telephone call, the verb is often used as the separable verb opbellen, as seen in the phrase bel me op. Additionally, while me is common in spoken Dutch, you can use mij for emphasis, such as in bel mij.
When do people say it?
Adding the particle even to a request, such as in bel mij even, makes the instruction sound much more casual and less demanding in Dutch.
Did you know?
- The word bellen might be etymologically related to the German word bellen, which means 'to bark'.
- Dutch has a specific term for idle talking called lellebellen, which has been used since at least 1599.
Examples in context
- Bel me eens op.Call me sometime.Tatoeba #9380143 by Micsmithel, translation #66339 by CK
- Bel me niet meer op.Don't call me again.Tatoeba #3162564 by PaulP, translation #1845517 by CK
- Bel me op elk moment.Call me anytime.Tatoeba #9380142 by Micsmithel, translation #66212 by CK
- Bel me alsjeblieft.Please call me.
- Tuurlijk, ik bel je straks.Sure, I'll call you later.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sophie and Lucas are finishing their lunch.
- SophieBel me morgenochtend maar.Just call me tomorrow morning.
- LucasIs goed, ik doe dat.Alright, I'll do that.
- SophieKan dat rond tien uur?Is around ten o'clock okay?
- LucasJa, dat komt prima uit.Yes, that works great.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
