vuelva por favor
/bwelba poɾ faboɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "return please" can be said in Spanish as vuelva por favor.
This phrase is a polite request for someone to come back to a place. It is important to note that when you want someone to return an object that you own, the phrasing changes to include pronouns, such as using Por favor, devuélvamelo to formally ask someone to return it to you or the informal Por favor, devuélvemelo.
Which one should you use?
While vuelva por favor is formal and polite, the informal version is vuelve por favor. Using the formal version with a close friend might sound unnecessarily distant.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are asking more than one person to return, you should use the plural form vuelvan por favor.
Did you know?
- The verb volver is used for returning to a place, but if you are returning a favor, you would use the verb corresponder.
- The verb in vuelva comes from volver, which shares an ancient root with the English word 'volve' as seen in 'evolve' or 'revolve'.
- In some Latin American countries, using vuelva as a polite command can sound like a gentle dismissal, depending on the tone of voice used.
Examples in context
- Vuelva por favor cuando termine su café.Please return when you have finished your coffee.
Example conversation
A doctor tells a patient to come back later.
- JavierNo hay citas hoy, Javier.There are no appointments today, Javier.
- Elena¿Cuándo puedo venir?When can I come?
- JavierVuelva por favor el lunes.Please return on Monday.
- ElenaEstá bien, gracias.All right, thank you.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
