What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb devolver (to return/give back), la (the) and llamada (call).
Which one should you use?
While Devolveré la llamada is a general statement, you can use more specific versions depending on the situation. To say 'I'll call you back' specifically, you might use Le volveré a llamar or Le devuelvo la llamada in formal settings. For a more casual tone, 'I'll call you later' can be said as Te llamo luego and the very colloquial 'I'll give you a buzz' is Te echo un toque. Other variations include Volveré a llamar más tarde (I will call again later) and Me pondré en contacto más adelante (I will get in touch later).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal settings with friends or acquaintances, you can use Te llamo luego or the colloquial Te echo un toque.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear people use Te hablo luego to mean 'I'll talk to you later' or to convey the message of calling back. Additionally, Te marco más tarde (I'll dial you later) is a common way to express the intent to call back in Mexico.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify exactly who you are calling back, you add an indirect object pronoun before the verb. For example, use te for the informal 'you' or le for the formal 'you', resulting in phrases like Te devolveré la llamada.
How do you pronounce it?
/debolbeɾe la ʝamada/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the phrase Te echo un toque uses the verb echar, which literally means 'to throw', to describe the act of giving someone a quick call.
- The word llamada shares a common linguistic ancestor with the English word 'alarm', as both derive from the Latin 'clamare' meaning 'to cry out'.
- The phrase Devolveré la llamada treats the phone call as a physical object that you are 'returning' to the person, similar to how you would return a borrowed book.
Examples in context
- Devolveré la llamada más tarde.I will call back later.
- No puedo hablar ahora, devolveré la llamada.I cannot talk now, I will call back.
- Devolveré la llamada en cuanto termine la reunión.I will call back as soon as the meeting ends.
Example conversation
María is driving and cannot answer Daniel's phone call properly.
- MaríaHola Daniel, ahora estoy conduciendo.Hello Daniel, I am driving right now.
- DanielEstá bien, María, no hay problema.That's fine, María, no problem.
- MaríaDevolveré la llamada en media hora.I will call back in half an hour.
- DanielPerfecto, espero tu llamada.Perfect, I'll wait for your call.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
