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 polite requests.
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 form, favor de is used specifically when it is followed directly by an infinitive verb to request an action. Other forms like porfa, porfis and porfi are casual and playful versions of the standard request.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Por favor is the standard, polite form. Porfa is a popular, informal contraction used among friends or family. Porfis is a highly colloquial and playful variation that can sound almost 'cute' or childish, often used to be endearing or persuasive. Porfi is also a colloquial variation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form porfi is a colloquial variation specifically common in Spain.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use favor de to request an action, it must be followed by an infinitive verb, such as favor de cerrar la puerta (please close the door).
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ faˈboɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the verb placer (to please/satisfy) when you want to make a polite request. Instead, use the interjection por favor.
Did you know?
- Depending on the tone, ¡por favor! can be used as an exclamation of disbelief or annoyance, similar to saying 'Oh, please!' or 'Give me a break!' in English.
- The word favor comes from the Latin favōrem, which is derived from faveō, meaning 'to be favorable' or 'to lean towards'.
- In some formal written signs, favor de is used as a polite imperative to command a public action, such as favor de no fumar ('please do not smoke').
Examples in context
- Sí, ven por favor.Yes, please come.This sentence shows how to use por favor in a command.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 at the beginning of a request.Tatoeba #4566607 by cueyayotl, translation #2062887 by CK
- Señorita, ¿me puede dar indicaciones para llegar al banco, por favor?Miss, could you give me directions to the bank, please?
- Favor de enviar el informe antes del viernes.Please send the report before Friday.
- ¿Me puedes prestar tu libro, porfa?Can you lend me your book, please?
- ¿Podemos ir al cine, porfis?Can we go to the movies, please?
- 2558 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are sitting at a restaurant.
- SofíaUn vaso de agua, por favor.A glass of water, please.
- JavierClaro, Sofía. ¿Quieres también hielo?Sure, Sofía. Do you want ice too?
- SofíaSí, por favor, Javier.Yes, please, Javier.
- JavierAquí tienes.Here you go.
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.
