dejar un mensaje
/dexaɾ un mensaxe/from spelling rules
In Spanish, leave a message is said as dejar un mensaje.
This phrase is used when you want to record a verbal message or write a note for someone who is currently unavailable to speak with you.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb dejar (to leave/to let), the indefinite article un (a/an) and the noun mensaje (message).
Which one should you use?
While dejar un mensaje is a standard way to express this, you can also use the phrase dejar un recado, where recado acts as a synonym for a short note or a message left for someone else.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, specifically in Mexico and parts of Central America, you may hear Deja un recado to mean leave a message.
Did you know?
- The verb dejar in 'dejar un mensaje' shares a common ancestor with the English words 'lax' and 'laxative'. Both come from the Latin 'laxare', which means to loosen or make free.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, dejar un recado can imply a social ritual where a neighbor or family member acts as a human messenger for someone who is not home.
- While mensaje is the standard word for a message, the term recado is often used specifically for a brief, errand-like note or a verbal message passed through a third party.
Examples in context
- ¿Puedo dejar un mensaje?Can I leave a message?This sentence is useful for asking if it is possible to leave a message using dejar un mensaje.Tatoeba #949182 by hayastan, translation #279055 by CK
- Necesito dejar un mensaje.I need to leave a message.This sentence is useful for expressing a necessity to leave a message using dejar un mensaje.Tatoeba #2831672 by marcelostockle, translation #2387699 by CK
- ¿Querrías dejar un mensaje?Would you like to leave a message?This sentence is useful for asking if someone would like to leave a message using dejar un mensaje.Tatoeba #1692336 by Shishir, translation #25056 by CK
- Señor García, por favor deje un mensaje después del tono. Su llamada es importante para nosotros.Mr. Garcia, please leave a message after the tone. Your call is important to us.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro calls Elena's office but she is in a meeting.
- AlejandroHola, busco a Elena, por favor.Hello, I am looking for Elena, please.
- ElenaElla no puede hablar ahora.She cannot talk right now.
- AlejandroEstá bien, ¿puedo dejar un mensaje?That is fine, can I leave a message?
- ElenaSí, dime qué quieres decirle.Yes, tell me what you want to tell her.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dejar, mensaje, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
