dejar un mensaje de voz
/dexaɾ un mensaxe de boθ/from spelling rules
To leave a voicemail in Spanish is to dejar un mensaje de voz.
The phrase is used to describe recording an audio message for someone after their phone rings without an answer. In casual conversation, speakers often omit de voz and simply say dejar un mensaje, as the context of a phone call makes the meaning clear.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of dejar (to leave), un mensaje (a message) and de voz (of voice).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, one might say dejar un mensaje en el contestador automático to mean 'leave a message on the answering machine'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you already left a voicemail in the past, use the preterite form dejé.
Did you know?
- While 'dejar un mensaje de voz' is common, in many Latin American countries you might hear people say dejar un recado instead, using the word for 'errand' or 'message' to mean the same thing.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, instead of the literal 'voicemail', people often refer to the device itself, using terms like el buzón de voz (the voice mailbox) or even just el buzón.
- The Spanish word dejar is used for both 'to leave' and 'to let'. This means that while dejar un mensaje is 'to leave a message', the same verb is used to say 'let me go' (déjame ir).
Examples in context
- Hola, soy Juan García. Por favor, llámame de vuelta al número 123-456-7890. Estaré disponible entre las 2 p.m. y las 4 p.m. GraciasHello, I am Juan García. Please call me back at the number 123-456-7890. I will be available between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Thank you
- Puedes dejar un mensaje de voz después del tono.You can leave a voicemail after the beep.
- No pude hablar con ella, así que voy a dejar un mensaje de voz.I couldn't talk to her, so I am going to leave a voicemail.
- ¿Quieres dejar un mensaje de voz para el jefe?Do you want to leave a voicemail for the boss?
Example conversation
Alejandro tells Lucía that he tried to call her boss.
- AlejandroLlamé a tu jefe, pero no contestó.I called your boss, but he didn't answer.
- Lucía¿Pudiste dejar un mensaje de voz?Were you able to leave a voicemail?
- AlejandroSí, decidí dejar un mensaje de voz corto.Yes, I decided to leave a short voicemail.
- LucíaPerfecto, gracias por hacer eso, Alejandro.Perfect, thank you for doing that, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
