porfa
informal
The everyday slang for "please" in Spanish is porfa, a clipped form of por favor. A cuter version is porfis or porfi.
Meaning: polite request, informal (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| porfa | informal |
| Porfis | informal, playful |
| Por favor | standard |
Ayúdame, porfa is a casual request among friends or family. Porfis sounds sweeter and is often used when begging a little.
Which one should you use?
Por favor is neutral and fits any situation. Porfa and porfis belong to relaxed speech and text messages.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Both short forms are used in Spain and across Latin America.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use porfa in a formal letter or with a stranger in a formal setting. Use por favor there.
Did you know?
- Porfa is a clipped form of por favor, and the same shortening gives porfi and porfis.
Examples in context
- ¿Me pasas la sal, porfa?Can you pass me the salt, please?
- Ven conmigo, porfis.Come with me, pretty please.
- Por favor, ¿me puede ayudar?Please, can you help me?
Example conversation
Valeria asks her brother Andrés for a favor.
- ValeriaAndrés, ¿me llevas al centro, porfa?Andrés, can you take me downtown, please?
- AndrésAhora estoy ocupado.I am busy now.
- ValeriaPorfis, solo veinte minutos.Pretty please, only twenty minutes.
