Which one should you use?
While the default form por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas is standard, other variations exist depending on the desired level of formality and the region. For example, you might use Por favor, manténganse alejados de las puertas or Por favor, no se acerquen a las puertas.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas is formal and polite, making it suitable for public transit announcements. In informal situations, you may use Por favor, párate lejos de las puertas. Other formal options include Por favor, manténganse alejados de las puertas and Por favor, no se acerquen a las puertas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you will hear Por favor, manténganse alejados de las puertas and Por favor, mantengan su distancia de las puertas. In Spain, the phrase Por favor, no se acerquen a las puertas is commonly used.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking subway systems, you may hear the command simplified to only Cuidado con las puertas, which means 'Careful with the doors'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cities, this phrase is often accompanied by a distinctive high-pitched chime or a specific beep that signals the doors are closing.
- The verb mantener in manténgase is a cognate of the English word 'maintain', emphasizing that the passenger should keep or maintain a specific position of safety.
Examples in context
- Por favor, manténganse alejados de las puertas. El tren está llegando a la estaciónPlease stand clear of the doors. The train is arriving at the station.
- Por favor, no te acerques a las puertas cuando se abranPlease don't approach the doors when they open.
- Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas del tren.Please stand clear of the train doors.
- Al subir al elevador, por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas.When boarding the elevator, please stand clear of the doors.
- Por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas para evitar accidentes.Please stand clear of the doors to avoid accidents.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are waiting on a crowded train platform.
- LucíaEl tren ya llegó, Daniel.The train is already here, Daniel.
- DanielSí, pero hay mucha gente.Yes, but there are a lot of people.
- LucíaEscucha, dice: por favor manténgase alejado de las puertas.Listen, it says: please stand clear of the doors.
- DanielTienes razón, vamos a movernos.You are right, let's move.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
