Por favor, llame a la puerta
The English phrase "please knock" is translated into Spanish as Por favor, llame a la puerta.
This phrase is used to request that someone hit a door with their knuckles to announce their arrival.
Which one should you use?
While llame a la puerta is the most common way to say 'knock', toque la puerta is also a valid way to express the physical act of tapping or knocking on a door.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are speaking to someone you know well or a child, you should use the informal imperative llama instead of the formal llame. To address a group of people, use the plural form llamen.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word llamar is used for both 'calling' someone on the phone and 'knocking' on a door, as both actions serve to summon a person's attention.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, you might use the phrase llamar a la puerta even if there is no actual door, such as when entering an open archway.
- While llame a la puerta is common, some regions use tocar la puerta. The verb tocar is the same word used for playing a musical instrument, reflecting the percussive nature of knocking.
Examples in context
- Por favor, toque la puerta antes de ingresar a la sala de reuniones.Please knock on the door before entering the meeting room.
- Por favor, golpea la puerta suavemente cuando llegues.Please knock softly on the door when you arrive.
- Si alguien quiere entrar, por favor, llame a la puerta.If someone wants to enter, please knock on the door.
- Por favor, llame a la puerta antes de entrar.Please knock before entering.
- Si no estoy, por favor, llame a la puerta.If I am not here, please knock.
- Por favor, llame a la puerta con fuerza.Please knock loudly.
Example conversation
María is giving instructions to the delivery man at her house.
- MaríaHola, ¿puede dejar el paquete en la entrada?Hello, can you leave the package at the entrance?
- JavierSí, claro, ¿debo llamar a alguien?Yes, of course, should I call someone?
- MaríaNo, por favor, llame a la puerta al llegar.No, please knock when you arrive.
- JavierEntendido, lo haré así.Understood, I will do that.
