llámame cuando tengas tiempo
/ʝamame kwando tenɡas tjempo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'call me when you have time' is translated into Spanish as llámame cuando tengas tiempo.
This phrase is used to request that someone telephones you at a moment when they are not busy.
What does it mean word for word?
The word llámame is a combination of the imperative verb llama (call) and the object pronoun me (me). The phrase cuando tengas tiempo means 'when you have time'.
Which one should you use?
You can also use the alternative llámame cuando estés libre, which literally means 'when you are free'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase llámame cuando tengas tiempo uses the informal 'tú' imperative llámame and the subjunctive tengas because the timing of the action is uncertain. In the phrase 'when you have time', the verb tengas is in the subjunctive mood because it refers to a future event that has not yet happened.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word tiempo is used for both 'time' and 'weather'. For instance, no tengo tiempo means 'I have no time', while qué tiempo hace asks 'how is the weather'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying llámame cuando tengas tiempo can be a subtle social cue used to end a conversation without the speaker actually expecting a return call.
- The phrase uses the verb llamar, which today means 'to call' on a phone, but originally meant 'to shout' or 'to call out' to get someone's attention.
Examples in context
- Buenos días, señor. Por favor, llámeme cuando tenga tiempo para discutir el proyecto.Good morning, sir. Please, call me when you have time to discuss the project.
- Estimada Sra. Gómez, por favor, contácteme cuando disponga de tiempo para hablar sobre la propuesta.Dear Mrs. Gomez, please contact me when you have time to discuss the proposal.
- Hola Carlos, estoy ansioso por hablar contigo. Llámame cuando tengas tiempo, necesito contarte algo emocionante.Hi Carlos, I'm eager to talk to you. Call me when you have time, I need to tell you something exciting.
- Llámame cuando tengas tiempo para hablar.Call me when you have time to talk.
- No es urgente, llámame cuando tengas tiempo.It is not urgent, call me when you have time.
- Llámame cuando tengas tiempo y lo planeamos.Call me when you have time and we will plan it.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are leaving a cafe after a busy morning.
- JavierElena, llámame cuando tengas tiempo.Elena, call me when you have time.
- ElenaVale, te llamaré esta tarde.Okay, I will call you this afternoon.
- JavierPerfecto, estaré pendiente del teléfono.Perfect, I will be waiting for the call.
- ElenaHasta luego, Javier.See you later, Javier.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
