Which one should you use?
While presione numeral is a standard way to request the key, other variations exist. Presione el signo de número is a way to say "Press the number sign," and Oprima el símbolo de almohadilla translates to "Press the pound symbol." In casual settings, you might hear Presiona el hashtag.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form presione numeral uses the formal usted imperative, which is the standard for professional instructions and automated telephone systems. For a more informal tone, you can use Presiona el hashtag.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many Spanish-speaking regions, the '#' symbol is referred to as almohadilla (which means "little cushion") instead of numeral. Consequently, you may hear the phrase la tecla de almohadilla to refer to "the hash key."
How do you pronounce it?
/pɾesjone numeɾal/
Did you know?
- Automated systems in Latin America frequently use the verb oprimir, which in other contexts can mean 'to oppress' or 'to squeeze'.
- The word almohadilla is a diminutive of almohada, meaning 'pillow', suggesting the symbol looks like a small cushion.
- If you are in Spain, you are much more likely to hear almohadilla than numeral when dealing with a telephone menu.
Examples in context
- Cuando termine con el mensaje, presione el signo de número.When you're done with the message, press the pound key.
- Una vez que hayas ingresado el número de seguimiento, oprime el símbolo de almohadilla para confirmar.Once you have entered the tracking number, press the pound symbol to confirm.
- ¡Hey! No olvides oprimir el numeral antes de colgar.Hey! Don't forget to press the pound key before hanging up.
- Para continuar, presione numeral.To continue, press pound.
- Presione numeral para escuchar las opciones.Press pound to hear the options.
- Después de marcar su número, presione numeral.After dialing your number, press pound.
Example conversation
Sofía is calling a customer service line and Daniel is helping her.
- SofíaLa operadora dice que presione numeral.The operator says to press pound.
- Daniel¿Ya lo hiciste, Sofía?Did you do it already, Sofía?
- SofíaSí, acabo de presionar numeral.Yes, I just pressed pound.
- DanielPerfecto, ahora espera la llamada.Perfect, now wait for the call.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
