por favor asegúrate
/poɾ faboɾ aseɡuɾate/from spelling rules
The English phrase "please make sure" is translated into Spanish as por favor asegúrate.
This phrase is used as a polite request for someone to verify that something is done or is true. Depending on the context, you might say Asegúrate de [infinitive verb], por favor to mean "Please make sure to [infinitive verb]" or use Por favor, cerciórate de [infinitive verb] to say "Please ensure [infinitive verb]."
Which one should you use?
When you want to say "make sure that" followed by a clause (a subject and a verb), you must include the preposition de before que, resulting in the construction asegúrate de que.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you can also use the phrase Por favor, verifica que todo esté en orden.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes depending on the number of people you are addressing and the level of formality. To address a group of people, use the plural form asegúrense.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ faboɾ aseɡuɾate/
Did you know?
- The word seguro in asegúrate shares the same root as the English word 'sure'. Both derive from the Latin securus, which originally meant 'without care' or 'free from anxiety'.
- Using asegúrate de que triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb, which changes the verb ending to reflect doubt or a desired outcome rather than a factual statement.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase por favor is often paired with a slight nod or a softer tone to avoid sounding like a direct command, as imperative verbs can feel blunt.
Examples in context
- Asegúrese de que todo esté en orden, por favor.Please make sure everything is in order.
- Por favor, asegúrate de que la puerta esté cerrada.Please make sure that the door is closed.
- Por favor asegúrate de cerrar la puerta.Please make sure to close the door.
- Por favor asegúrate de que el horno esté apagado.Please make sure that the oven is off.
- Por favor asegúrate de traer las llaves.Please make sure to bring the keys.
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are leaving their house for a trip.
- SofíaDaniel, por favor asegúrate de que las luces estén apagadas.Daniel, please make sure that the lights are off.
- DanielSí, Sofía, ya revisé todo.Yes, Sofía, I already checked everything.
- SofíaPerfecto, entonces ya podemos irnos.Perfect, then we can leave now.
- DanielVamos, que el taxi nos espera.Let's go, the taxi is waiting for us.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
