respeto, por favor
/resˈpeto poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
To say "respect, please" in Spanish, use respeto, por favor.
This phrase is a request for others to behave in a polite or considerate manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun respeto (respect) and the polite formula por favor (please).
How does it change in a sentence?
While respeto, por favor uses the noun, you can also use the imperative verb form respeten, por favor to directly command a group of people to show respect, such as to "please respect [me/us/the rules]".
How do you pronounce it?
/resˈpeto poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- The word respeto comes from the Latin respectus, which literally means 'to look back' or 'to look again'. This suggests that showing respect involves taking a second look to truly see someone's value.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, respeto is not just about politeness but is a social hierarchy. Using it can sometimes imply that a specific social order or authority must be acknowledged, rather than just being 'nice'.
- While respeto, por favor is polite, in high-tension arguments in some Latin American countries, saying ¡Tenga respeto! can be a sharp warning that the speaker is about to stop being polite themselves.
Examples in context
- Favor de ser respetuoso durante la reunión.Please be respectful during the meeting.
Example conversation
María and Javier are arguing during a discussion.
- MaríaEstás gritando demasiado, Javier.You are shouting too much, Javier.
- Javier¡Es que no me escuchas!It is just that you don't listen to me!
- MaríaRespeto, por favor, o no seguiremos hablando.Respect, please, or we will not keep talking.
- JavierEstá bien, lo siento, María.Alright, I am sorry, María.
