What does it mean word for word?
The phrase includes a este número, which means "to this number". The preposition a is required after the verb llamar when the object is a specific person or a specific destination or entity, such as a phone number.
Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on your relationship with the listener and the level of formality required. For instance, marca este número (dial this number) or da un toque a este número (give a ring to this number) are more informal options, whereas comuníquese con este número (get in touch with this number) or por favor, haga una llamada a este número (please make a call to this number) are more formal.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the verb marcar (to dial) is more commonly used than llamar to express the act of dialing a number.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form llama a este número uses the informal imperative (the tú form). If you are addressing a group of people (the ustedes form), you should use llamen a este número. For a formal single listener (the usted form), use llame a este número.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝama a este numeɾo/
Did you know?
- The word llama is a homonym with three distinct meanings: a command to call, a flame, and the Andean animal.
- The word este shares a common ancestor with the English word 'east' and the country name 'Austria'.
- While llama is a direct command, using the phrase da un toque literally means 'give a touch' and is used as a slang way to say 'give a ring'.
Examples in context
- Llama a este número.Call this number.This example shows how to use the phrase llama a este número to give a command.Tatoeba #9706848 by Shishir, translation #2245033 by CK
- Por favor, haga una llamada a este número para confirmar su reserva.Please make a call to this number to confirm your reservation.
- Llama a este número y pregunta por Juan. Él te ayudará con lo que necesitas.Call this number and ask for Juan. He will help you with what you need.
- Si necesitas ayuda, llama a este número.If you need help, call this number.
- Por favor, llama a este número mañana.Please, call this number tomorrow.
Example conversation
Elena is leaving her business card with Alejandro.
- ElenaToma mi tarjeta, Alejandro.Take my card, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿Quieres que te llame?Do you want me to call you?
- ElenaSí, llama a este número por la tarde.Yes, call this number in the afternoon.
- AlejandroEstá bien, Elena, lo haré.Okay, Elena, I will do it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, este, llama, número, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
