llamar a alguien
/ʝamaɾ a alɡjen/from spelling rules
To call someone in Spanish is llamar a alguien.
The phrase llamar a alguien is used when you want to contact a person by telephone. While the verb llamar is the standard way to express the action of calling, it can also be used to mean 'to name' something or to 'shout/call out' to a person.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may also hear the phrase dar un toque to mean 'call someone'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When the object of the verb llamar is a person, you must include the preposition a before the person's name or pronoun. This is why you say llamar a alguien rather than just llamar alguien.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝamaɾ a alɡjen/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying llamar alguien. English speakers often forget the personal 'a', but you must include it to be grammatically correct.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Tengo que llamar a alguien ahora.I have to call someone now.This example shows how to express a current necessity to use llamar a alguien.Tatoeba #6025557 by albrusgher, translation #2432617 by Lumo
- Puedo llamar a alguien para que ayude.I can call someone to help out.This sentence demonstrates using llamar a alguien to request assistance.Tatoeba #3371787 by marcelostockle, translation #2635849 by meerkat
- ¿Puedes darme unos minutos? Quiero llamar a alguien.Can you give me a few minutes? I want to call someone.This shows how to ask for time in order to llamar a alguien.Tatoeba #3353631 by marcelostockle, translation #9667154 by Truthwatch3r
- Por favor, llame al Sr. Garcia para confirmar su cita.Please call Mr. Garcia to confirm your appointment.
- Puede usted telefonear al departamento de ventas para obtener más información.You can call the sales department for more information.
- Voy a marcar a mi mejor amiga para quedar esta tarde.I'm going to call my best friend to meet up this afternoon.
- Necesito comunicarme con mi hermana para felicitarla por su cumpleaños.I need to call my sister to congratulate her on her birthday.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about a project.
- DanielNecesito llamar a alguien para preguntar el precio.I need to call someone to ask about the price.
- Lucía¿Sabes a quién tienes que llamar?Do you know who you have to call?
- DanielSí, voy a llamar a alguien de la oficina.Yes, I'm going to call someone from the office.
- LucíaPerfecto, Daniel, avísame cuando termines.Perfect, Daniel, let me know when you're finished.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, alguien, llamar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
