What does it mean word for word?
The phrase devolverte la llamada is literally composed of devolver (to return), te (to you), la (the) and llamada (call).
Which one should you use?
While devolverte la llamada focuses on returning a specific missed call, llamarte luego is a common, slightly more casual alternative that focuses more generally on the action of calling someone later. Use Te vuelvo a llamar or Te llamo luego for informal situations, whereas Volveré a llamarle or Le devolveré la llamada are used for formal contexts.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain parts of Mexico, the phrase Te marco luego is used to mean "I'll dial you later".
How does it change in a sentence?
To use the formal "you", replace the object pronoun te with le, as seen in devolverle la llamada. Additionally, when stating your intention to call someone back immediately or in the near future, you can use the present tense te devuelvo to function as "I will call you back".
How do you pronounce it?
/debolbeɾte la ʝamada/
Did you know?
- The word llamada comes from llamar, which can mean both 'to call' and 'to shout'. In early Spanish, this referred to calling someone's attention with a loud voice before telephones existed.
- While devolver means 'to return', it is used for both returning a physical object to a store and returning a phone call. This treats the 'call' as a tangible item that belongs to the other person.
- In Mexico, you might hear te marco luego instead of te llamo luego. This uses the verb marcar, which means 'to mark' or 'to stamp' but refers to the physical act of pressing buttons on a dial pad.
Examples in context
- Voy a devolverte la llamada en un momento.I am going to call you back in a moment.
- Prometo devolverte la llamada esta misma tarde.I promise to call you back this very afternoon.
Example conversation
Maria is busy working when Daniel calls her.
- MaríaHola Daniel, ahora mismo estoy en una reunión.Hi Daniel, I am in a meeting right now.
- DanielNo hay problema, no te preocupes.No problem, don't worry.
- MaríaTermino pronto y voy a devolverte la llamada.I'll finish soon and I'll call you back.
- DanielPerfecto, espero tu llamada entonces.Perfect, I'll wait for your call then.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
