presione el número
/pɾesjone el numeɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "press number" is translated into Spanish as presione el número.
This phrase is used as an instruction to push a specific button on a telephone keypad.
Which one should you use?
While presione el número refers to the physical act of pushing a button, marque el número is a common alternative meaning "to dial the number".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Other formal options include Pulse el número and Oprima el número. For informal settings or when addressing someone as "tú", you can use Aprieta el número, Pulsa el número or Presiona el número.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the imperative mood to give a direct command.
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾesjone el numeɾo/
Did you know?
- The word número shares a common ancestor with the English word 'name', as both trace back to the Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'to assign or allot'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, you can use the verb oprimir to mean 'press', but be careful, as this verb can also imply 'to crush' or 'to suppress' in certain contexts.
- In some Latin American countries, the word oprimir is more common for pushing buttons, while in Spain it can sound like you are physically crushing something.
Examples in context
- Pulse el número dos.Press the number two.
- ¿Cuál número apretaste/pulsaste?Which number did you press?
- ¿Puede pulsar el número uno, por favor?Can you please press number one?
- Pulse cualquier número para continuar.Press any number to continue.
- Presione el número uno para el español.Press number one for Spanish.
- Para hablar con ventas, presione el número dos.To speak with sales, press number two.
- Por favor, presione el número cinco de su teclado.Please, press number five on your keypad.
Example conversation
Alejandro is trying to navigate an automated phone menu while Lucía helps him.
- AlejandroNo entiendo qué debo hacer en este menú.I don't understand what I should do in this menu.
- LucíaLa voz dice: presione el número tres para soporte.The voice says: press number three for support.
- AlejandroVale, ya lo hice.Okay, I already did it.
- LucíaAhora solo espera a que un operador te atienda.Now just wait for an operator to assist you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, número, CC BY-SA 4.0.
