puedes devolver la llamada
/pwedes debolbeɾ la ʝamada/from spelling rules
The English phrase "can you call back" is translated into Spanish as puedes devolver la llamada.
This phrase is used to make a request for someone to telephone you again at a later time. You might also use the more direct imperative devuélveme la llamada when speaking with friends or family.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of puedes (you can), devolver (to return), la (the) and llamada (call).
Which one should you use?
You can use the conditional form ¿Podrías devolver la llamada? to make the request sound more polite and less direct. In contrast, devuélveme la llamada is an informal and more direct command.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
When speaking to a stranger, a client or someone older, use puede devolver la llamada instead of puedes devolver la llamada to be polite. For friends or family, the informal command devuélveme la llamada is appropriate.
Did you know?
- The verb devolver shares an ancient root with the English word 'devolve'. Both originate from the Latin 'devolvere', which described something rolling or tumbling down.
- Using the indicative mood, such as saying me devuelves la llamada, can actually make your request sound softer and more polite than a direct command. This uses a statement of fact to function as a gentle suggestion.
- If someone calls you back but you missed it, you might find a recado, which is a specific term for a short written message or a spoken note left by a third party.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría devolverme la llamada, por favor?Can you call back?
- ¿Puedes devolver la llamada más tarde?Can you call back later?
- No puedo hablar, ¿puedes devolver la llamada?I can't talk, can you call back?
- Si no contesto, ¿puedes devolver la llamada?If I don't answer, can you call back?
Example conversation
Daniel is currently in a meeting when Elena calls him.
- DanielHola Elena, estoy en una reunión.Hi Elena, I am in a meeting.
- ElenaNo hay problema, te llamo luego.No problem, I will call you later.
- Daniel¿Puedes devolver la llamada a las cinco?Can you call back at five?
- ElenaSí, Daniel, te llamo a esa hora.Yes, Daniel, I will call you at that time.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries devolver, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
