por favor preste atención
/poɾ faboɾ pɾeste atenθjon/from spelling rules
The English phrase "please pay attention" is expressed in Spanish as por favor preste atención.
This phrase is a polite request for someone to listen carefully or focus on what is being said.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase preste atención literally means "lend attention," as the verb prestar means "to lend."
Which one should you use?
The phrase preste atención uses the formal usted conjugation, making it appropriate for professional settings or speaking to elders. To address a group of people, the verb changes to the plural form presten in por favor presten atención.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the informal phrase por favor, prestá atención is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase changes from preste to presta when addressing someone you know well or someone younger (tú form).
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ faboɾ pɾeste atenθjon/
Did you know?
- The word preste shares an ancient root with the Greek word for 'elder', meaning the verb's history is linked to the concept of a 'presbyter' or church elder.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a teacher might say ¡Atención! alone as a sharp command, which functions more like 'Quiet!' or 'Listen up!' than a polite request.
- The verb prestar is used in other common expressions involving the senses, such as prestar oído to 'lend an ear'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, preste atención a las instrucciones.Please pay attention to the instructions.
- Por favor, pon atención a lo que te digo.Please pay attention to what I'm telling you.
- Por favor, preste atención a la presentación.Please pay attention to the presentation.
- Por favor preste atención al mapa.Please pay attention to the map.
- Señora, por favor preste atención a lo que digo.Ma'am, please pay attention to what I am saying.
Example conversation
A teacher is giving directions to a student in a classroom.
- JavierLucía, por favor preste atención a la pizarra.Lucía, please pay attention to the blackboard.
- LucíaLo siento, profesor, ya estoy concentrada.I'm sorry, professor, I am focusing now.
- JavierEstá bien, esto es muy importante.It's okay, this is very important.
- LucíaEntiendo, voy a tomar notas.I understand, I am going to take notes.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries atención, favor, por, preste, CC BY-SA 4.0.
