What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb mantenerse (to keep oneself/stay) and the prepositional phrase en la línea (on the line).
Which one should you use?
While manténgase en la línea is a standard request, you may also use Permanezca en la línea, por favor for a formal request. For a more reverential and extremely formal tone, you can use Le ruego que se mantenga en línea, which translates to 'I beg you to stay on the line'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the phrase Manténgase a la espera is commonly used to mean 'Please stay on hold'. Additionally, in some regions, the informal phrase No te desconectes is used to mean 'Don't disconnect'.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone informally, the imperative changes from manténgase to mantente to form mantente en la línea. If you are addressing more than one person formally, use the plural form manténganse en la línea.
Did you know?
- The word línea shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'linen', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European word for 'flax'.
- The highly formal request le ruego que se mantenga en línea uses the verb rogar, which is more commonly used for religious prayer or desperate pleas.
- If you are in a professional setting in Mexico or Colombia, you might hear the phrase esté atento instead of a mention of a 'line', which literally means 'be attentive' to the call.
Example conversation
Alejandro is a customer service agent and Lucía is calling with a problem.
- AlejandroHola, ¿en qué puedo ayudarla hoy?Hello, how can I help you today?
- LucíaTengo un problema con mi factura.I have a problem with my bill.
- AlejandroManténgase en la línea mientras reviso su cuenta.Stay on the line while I check your account.
- LucíaEstá bien, no colgaré.Okay, I won't hang up.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, la, línea, CC BY-SA 4.0.
