Greetings! Today, we will explore the various ways to express the phrase “call out” in Spanish. Whether you’re looking to communicate formally or informally, we’ll cover it all for you. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
If you find yourself in a formal setting or speaking with individuals you don’t know well, it’s crucial to utilize appropriately formal language. Here are some formal expressions for “call out” in Spanish:
1. Llamar
The most straightforward way to say “call out” in a formal context is “llamar.” You can use it when referring to making a phone call, paging someone, or calling someone’s name
Example 1:
Ana llamó a su jefe para informarle que llegaría tarde.`,
Example 2:
Durante el evento, el presentador llamó a los ganadores al escenario.
2. Contactar
In more professional settings, you might want to use “contactar.” It conveys the act of reaching out and getting in touch with someone, not necessarily through a phone call.
Example 3:
El equipo de ventas contactó al cliente para ofrecerle una solución personalizada.
3. Hacer una llamada
For a more explicit expression, you can use “hacer una llamada,” which translates to “make a call.” This is a formal way of saying “call out” when referring specifically to making a phone call.
Example 4:
El abogado hizo una llamada al tribunal para obtener información adicional sobre el caso.
Informal Expressions:
Now, let’s switch gears and explore some informal expressions for “call out” in Spanish. These can be used among friends, family, or in casual situations.
1. Llamar por teléfono
An informal way to say “call out” is to use “llamar por teléfono,” which literally means “to call on the phone.” This expression is commonly used among friends and peers.
Example 5:
Juan llamó por teléfono a María para invitarla al cine el viernes.
2. Marcar
“Marcar” is another informal expression used when referring to making a phone call. This term is more commonly used in Latin American countries and is widely understood.
Example 6:
¿Puedes marcar al restaurante y hacer la reserva para esta noche?
3. Dar un toque
In certain Spanish-speaking regions, such as Spain, an informal way of saying “call out” is “dar un toque.” This expression implies giving someone a call or contacting them briefly.
Example 7:
Le di un toque a mi amigo para contarle las últimas noticias.
Using Regional Variations with Caution:
While learning different regional variations can be enriching, it’s important to mention that the use of these expressions might sometimes lead to confusion. Therefore, we recommend sticking to the more universally understood terms mentioned above.
If, however, you find yourself in a specific region where the following expressions prevail, you can give them a try:
1. Chamar
In certain Latin American countries, such as Mexico or Argentina, “chamar” is colloquially used to mean “call out.”
Example 8:
Voy a chamar a Juan para ver si quiere salir esta noche.
2. Pitar
In some Latin American countries, particularly in the Caribbean, “pitar” is commonly used to mean “call out” in an informal context. Be aware that this term is not widely recognized across all Spanish-speaking regions.
Example 9:
Le voy a pitar a Carlos para ver si ya está listo para irnos.
Conclusion:
Now you’re equipped with a range of expressions to say “call out” in Spanish, both formally and informally. Remember to choose the appropriate term based on the context and the level of formality required. Stick to the more universal expressions to ensure better communication.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
