Learning how to say “to call” in Spanish is essential for effective communication in the language. Whether you want to make a phone call, ask someone to call you, or describe the act of calling, this guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of how to express this concept in both formal and informal contexts. By the end, you will have a firm grasp on various expressions related to calling, along with numerous tips and examples to help you master the usage.
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Formal Ways to Say “To Call” in Spanish
When you’re in a formal setting or need to address someone with respect, the following expressions will come in handy:
Llamar
The most common and versatile verb to say “to call” in Spanish is “llamar.” It can be used in various situations:
- Para llamar a alguien – To call someone
- Para hacer una llamada – To make a call
- Para recibir una llamada – To receive a call
Comunicarse
Another formal way to say “to call” is “comunicarse.” While it directly translates to “to communicate,” it is often used when referring to making a call or getting in touch with someone:
- Comunicarse con alguien – To call/contact someone
- Quiero comunicarme contigo – I want to call/contact you
Informal Ways to Say “To Call” in Spanish
For casual conversations or when speaking with friends, family, or peers, the following expressions can be used:
Marcar
“Marcar” is a frequently used verb meaning “to dial” or “to call” in an informal context:
- Marcar un número – To dial a number
- ¿Me marcas? – Will you call me?
- Marcar por teléfono – To call by phone
Dar un toque
If you want to convey the idea of giving someone a call without fully engaging in a conversation, you can use “dar un toque”:
- Voy a darte un toque – I’m going to give you a call
- Me dio un toque – He/she gave me a call
Common Phrases and Tips
Here are some additional common phrases and tips to help you further:
1. Asking someone to call you:
If you want to ask someone to call you, you can say:
¿Me puedes llamar? – Can you call me?
¿Puedes marcarme? – Can you dial me?
2. Making a phone call:
To express the act of making a call, you can use the following phrases:
Estoy haciendo una llamada – I am making a call
Voy a llamar por teléfono – I am going to call by phone
3. Receiving a phone call:
If you want to emphasize the process of receiving a phone call, you can use these examples:
Acabo de recibir una llamada – I just received a call
Me llamaron hace unos minutos – They called me a few minutes ago
4. Regional Variations:
While the expressions we’ve covered are widely used across Spanish-speaking regions, it is important to note that there might be some regional variations. For instance:
In some Latin American countries, “llamar por teléfono” can also be expressed as “llamar al teléfono” or “llamar al celular.”
In Spain, “llamar” can also be substituted with “telefonear” in certain informal contexts.
Remember to choose the variations that best align with the regional dialect you are studying or the community you are communicating with.
Practice Makes Perfect!
Now that you’ve explored how to say “to call” in Spanish, it’s time to practice and incorporate these expressions into your conversations. Remember, the more you use them, the more natural they will become. Listen to native Spanish speakers, engage in conversations, and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Soon, using these phrases will come effortlessly to you.
¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
