llámalos
/ʝamalos/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'call them' can be translated into Spanish as llámalos.
This phrase is used to instruct someone to contact one or more people by telephone.
Which one should you use?
While llámalos is a common way to express this, you may use llámelos to address someone with more respect or in more formal settings. In Mexico, the informal phrase márcales is also used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you can use the informal form márcales to say 'call them'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The choice of pronoun depends on the gender of the people being called. If the group being called consists entirely of females, you should use llámalas instead of llámalos. Additionally, using llámelos changes the object to the formal 'them' used when addressing a group with respect.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝamalos/
Did you know?
- In some regions of Spain, you might hear people use the phrase dales un toque to mean 'give them a call', which literally translates to 'give them a touch'.
- While llamar means 'to call' on the phone, it also means 'to name'. This is why you use the same root word to say someone is 'called' a certain name.
- The pronoun inside llámalos is attached directly to the end of the command, creating a single word that functions as both the verb and the object.
Examples in context
- Solo llámalos.Just call them.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of llámalos.Tatoeba #13365123 by Lernema, translation #3919091 by CH
- Llámelos para confirmar la cita.Call them to confirm the appointment.
- Llámalos para invitarlos a la fiesta.Call them to invite them to the party.
- Márcales para confirmar la reservación.Call them to confirm the reservation.
- Si no contestan, llámalos más tarde.If they don't answer, call them later.
- No sé su número, pero llámalos tú.I don't know their number, but you call them.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing how to reach their clients.
- ElenaNo puedo hablar con los clientes ahora.I can't talk to the clients right now.
- Alejandro¿Quieres que los llame yo?Do you want me to call them?
- ElenaSí, por favor, llámalos ahora mismo.Yes, please, call them right now.
- AlejandroEstá bien, lo haré enseguida.Okay, I will do it immediately.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
