guarda tu teléfono
/ɡwaɾda tu telefono/from spelling rules
To say "put your phone away" in Spanish, you use guarda tu teléfono.
What does it mean word for word?
The verb guarda comes from guardar, which literally means to keep, store or save something in a specific place.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is very common to use móvil instead of teléfono and the verb dejar (to leave/stop using) to express this command, such as deja el móvil.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form guarda tu teléfono uses the informal singular imperative, suitable for friends, family or children. To say this more politely or formally, use guarde su teléfono.
Did you know?
- The command guarda comes from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'to guard', making this Spanish phrase a linguistic relative of the English word 'warden'.
- If you want someone to physically drop their phone immediately, you might use the verb soltar, which literally means 'to release' or 'to let go'.
- Choosing between móvil and celular acts as a linguistic shibboleth, instantly identifying the speaker as being from Spain or Latin America.
Examples in context
- Por favor, guarde su teléfono celular. Estamos en medio de una reunión importante y necesitamos su atención.Please put your phone away. We are in the middle of an important meeting and need your attention.
- Sería genial si todos pudieran apartar sus teléfonos y disfrutar de la compañía.It would be great if everyone could put their phones away and enjoy each other's company.
- Disculpa, ¿podrías guardar tu teléfono o hablar en voz más baja, por favor?Excuse me, could you please put your phone away or talk more quietly?
- Guarda tu teléfono durante la cena.Put your phone away during dinner.
- Guarda tu teléfono en la mochila.Put your phone away in your backpack.
- Por favor, guarda tu teléfono en clase.Please, put your phone away in class.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are sitting down for dinner.
- AlejandroElena, guarda tu teléfono, por favor.Elena, put your phone away, please.
- ElenaSolo estoy revisando un mensaje rápido.I'm just checking a quick message.
- AlejandroHablamos en la cena, no uses el móvil.We talk at dinner, don't use the mobile.
- ElenaEstá bien, ya lo guardé.Alright, I already put it away.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries guarda, teléfono, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
