Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| por favor | /poɾ faˈboɾ/ | |
| favor de | /faˈboɾ de/ | |
| porfa | /ˈpoɾfa/ | informal |
| porfis | /poɾfis/ (from spelling rules) | colloquial |
| porfi | /ˈpoɾfi/ | Spain, colloquial |
Spanish speakers use several forms to make polite requests. Por favor is the most common and widely used way to say "please". For a more formal tone, such as when asking someone to be kind, you can use the phrase Si es tan amable, which means "If you would be so kind". In some regions, the informal phrase Hazme el favor (Do me a favor) is also used to express "please".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase por favor literally translates to "for favor".
Which one should you use?
While por favor is the standard way to say "please", the form favor de is more characteristic of written instructions or formal requests. The forms porfa, porfis and porfi are shorter, more casual variations of the standard phrase.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Por favor is the standard and most versatile form. For casual conversations with friends and family, you can use the informal shortening porfa. If you want to be highly colloquial or act in a cutesy, endearing or persuasive manner, you can use porfis.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The colloquial form porfi is specifically common in Spain.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form favor de is used when it is followed directly by an infinitive verb, such as favor de cerrar la puerta (please close the door).
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- In some contexts, por favor can be used sarcastically to express annoyance or disbelief, similar to how an English speaker might say 'Oh, please!'
- When using porfis, speakers often use a higher pitch or 'baby talk' tone to make the request more persuasive or endearing.
- The formal written instruction favor de is actually a shortened version of the phrase hágame el favor de, which means 'do me the favor of'.
Examples in context
- Sí, ven por favor.Yes, please come.This sentence shows how to use por favor when asking someone to come.Tatoeba #981186 by Shishir, translation #65364 by Luornu
- La sal, por favor.The salt, please.This sentence shows how to use por favor when requesting an item.Tatoeba #8380981 by ManuelML, translation #8383995 by cromwellt
- Por favor, di algo.Please say something.This sentence shows how to use por favor when asking someone to speak.Tatoeba #4566607 by cueyayotl, translation #2062887 by CK
- ¿Puede ayudarme, por favor?Can you help me, please?
- Si es tan amable, ¿podría mostrarme el camino?If you would be so kind, could you show me the way?
- Pásame el libro, porfaPass me the book, please.
- 2558 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía is asking Mateo for help with a bag.
- SofíaMateo, ayúdame con esto, por favor.Mateo, help me with this, please.
- MateoClaro, yo te ayudo.Of course, I'll help you.
- SofíaPonlo sobre la mesa, por favor.Put it on the table, please.
- MateoNo hay problema, Sofía.No problem, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations and entries por favor, favor de, porfa, porfis, porfi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
