en persona
/em peɾˈsona/
The phrase "in person" in Spanish is translated as en persona.
en persona is used to indicate that someone is actually present. It is a common way to specify that an individual must appear physically in a location, such as for administrative or legal matters, rather than communicating via phone, email or through a representative.
Meaning: actually present (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the preposition en (in) and the noun persona (person).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase en persona is invariable. It does not change regardless of the subject or how many people are involved.
How do you pronounce it?
/em peɾˈsona/
Did you know?
- While en persona means physically present, Spanish speakers use the phrase en carne y hueso (in flesh and bone) to emphasize that someone is real and not a ghost or a digital image.
- The Spanish word persona comes from the Latin word for a theatrical mask, which was originally used to describe the 'character' an actor played.
- Meeting en persona in many Spanish-speaking cultures often involves a physical greeting like a hug or a kiss on the cheek, even in professional settings.
Examples in context
- Él vino en persona.He came in person.This sentence shows how to use en persona to describe someone arriving.Tatoeba #1328388 by Shishir, translation #317728 by CK
- Necesito verte en persona.I need to see you in person.This sentence uses en persona to express a desire to see someone physically.Tatoeba #2831713 by marcelostockle, translation #2387724 by CK
- Debe presentarse en persona.You have to appear in person.This sentence illustrates an administrative or formal requirement to appear en persona.Tatoeba #1482152 by marcelostockle, translation #264583 by CK
- Me gustaría hablar con usted en persona para discutir los detalles del proyecto.I would like to speak with you in person to discuss the project details.
- Es importante que nos reunamos cara a cara para resolver este asunto.It's important for us to meet in person to resolve this matter.
- No puedo esperar para ver a mi banda favorita en vivo en el concierto esta noche.I can't wait to see my favorite band in person at the concert tonight.
- ¡Por fin te encuentro en carne y hueso! ¡Parecías una leyenda!Finally, I meet you in person! You seemed like a legend!
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry en persona, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, persona, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
