devolución de llamada
/deboluθjon de ʝamada/from spelling rules
The English phrase callback translates to the Spanish noun devolución de llamada.
The noun phrase devolución de llamada is used to describe the act of returning a missed telephone call.
Meaning: return telephone or radio call (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of devolución (return/refund) and de llamada (of call).
Which one should you use?
Devolver la llamada translates to 'return the call' and is a formal way to say 'callback'. Volver a llamar means 'call again' and can be used formally. In informal speech, regresarme la llamada translates to 'call me back'. Devuélveme la llamada is a casual way to say 'callback'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, people may use retornar la llamada to convey the idea of a 'callback'.
How do you pronounce it?
/deboluθjon de ʝamada/
Did you know?
- The word devolución is rooted in the Latin devolvō, which literally means 'to roll down'. This creates a strange linguistic connection between the physical motion of rolling something down and the act of returning a telephone call.
- The word devolución is used both for returning a phone call and for getting a refund for a purchase.
- In a professional Spanish context, asking for a devolución de llamada is a polite way to shift the burden of the next action to the other person without sounding demanding.
Examples in context
- No recibí la devolución de llamada prometida.I didn't receive the promised callback.
Example conversation
Alejandro is leaving a message for Lucía regarding a business matter.
- AlejandroHola Lucía, por favor llámame.Hello Lucía, please call me.
- LucíaLo siento, estoy en una reunión.I'm sorry, I am in a meeting.
- AlejandroEntiendo, espero tu devolución de llamada.I understand, I await your callback.
- LucíaTe llamo en una hora.I will call you in an hour.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, devolución, CC BY-SA 4.0.
