What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from te (to you), podemos (we can), devolver (to return) and la llamada (the call), which literally translates to "Can we return the call to you?"
Which one should you use?
You may also hear more casual variations like ¿Te podemos llamar más tarde? or ¿Podemos llamarte después? Additionally, saying llamar luego (call later) is a very common, more casual way to express the same intent.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
To be formal, you can use ¿Podríamos llamarlo más tarde? In informal settings, you can use ¿Podemos llamarte después? or ¿Te podemos llamar más tarde?
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, if you are addressing a group of people informally, use ¿os podemos devolver la llamada? In Latin America, or when being formal in Spain, use ¿les podemos devolver la llamada? to address a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using formal expressions, you should modify llamarlo to llamarla if you are addressing a female. To show respect to a client, a stranger or someone you wish to address formally, use le instead of te (for example, ¿le podemos devolver la llamada?).
Did you know?
- The verb devolver literally means to roll or tumble down. This reflects an ancient way of thinking about returning an object as if it were rolling back to its owner.
- In Spanish, you do not return a 'phone call' but rather 'the call' using the definite article la. Using 'una llamada' instead of la llamada would sound unnatural in this specific phrase.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿podríamos llamarlo más tarde, por favor?Hello, could we call you back later, please?
- Oye, ¿podemos llamarte después, por favor?Hey, can we call you back later, please?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries devolver, la, te, CC BY-SA 4.0.
