Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| por favor | /poɾ faˈboɾ/ | |
| favor de | /faˈboɾ de/ | |
| porfa | /ˈpoɾfa/ | informal |
| porfis | /poɾfis/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial |
| porfi | /ˈpoɾfi/ | Spain, colloquial |
The phrase is used as an interjection to make a polite request.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por favor literally translates to "for favor".
Which one should you use?
While por favor is the standard way to say please, favor de is used specifically when followed by an infinitive verb to request an action. The terms porfa, porfis and porfi are all shortened or modified versions of the standard phrase used in different social contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Porfa is an informal shortening used among friends or family. Porfis is a highly colloquial and almost "cute" or childish version used to sound endearing or persuasive. Porfi is also a colloquial variation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Porfi is a colloquial variation specifically common in Spain.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Favor de is used as a polite way to request an action when it is followed directly by an infinitive verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ faˈboɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the verb placer (to please) when you want to make a polite request with the interjection por favor.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying por favor too many times in one sentence can actually sound impatient or sarcastic rather than polite.
- In very formal written signs, favor de is often used to give an order that looks like a request, such as 'please smoke outside'.
- The preposition de in favor de comes from the Latin 'dē', making it a distant relative of the English word 'down'.
Examples in context
- Sí, ven por favor.Yes, please come.This sentence shows how to use por favor in an imperative request.Tatoeba #981186 by Shishir, translation #65364 by Luornu
- La sal, por favor.The salt, please.This sentence shows how to use por favor when asking for an object.Tatoeba #8380981 by ManuelML, translation #8383995 by cromwellt
- Por favor, di algo.Please say something.This sentence shows how to use por favor to urge someone to speak.Tatoeba #4566607 by cueyayotl, translation #2062887 by CK
- ¿Podría ayudarme, por favor?Could you help me, please?
- Puedes pasarme el libro, porfa?Can you pass me the book, please?
- 2558 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Mateo are at a cafe.
- LucíaUn café con leche, por favor.A coffee with milk, please.
- MateoClaro, ¿quieres algo más, Lucía?Sure, do you want anything else, Lucía?
- LucíaUn cruasán también, por favor.A croissant too, please.
- MateoMuy bien, ahora mismo te lo traigo.Very well, I will bring it to you right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries por favor, favor de, porfa, porfis, porfi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, favor, favor de, por, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
