What does it mean word for word?
The phrase devolveré la llamada literally means "I will return the call", composed of devolveré (I will return/give back), la (the) and llamada (call).
Which one should you use?
While devolveré la llamada is the standard way to express the future intent, in casual conversation, speakers often use the present tense te llamo luego (I'll call you later) to express a near-future intention.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use Regresaré la llamada. In informal settings, you might say Te devuelvo la llamada to express the intention to call back or Te llamo después to say "I'll call you later".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, a popular informal way to express the intention of calling back with an emphasis on immediacy is Te llamo enseguida, which means "I'll call you right away".
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify whom you are calling back, add an object pronoun before the verb. Use te to mean "you" (informal), as in te devolveré la llamada (I will call you back). Use le to indicate you will call back a third party or a person addressed formally, as in le devolveré la llamada (I will call him/her/you (formal) back).
How do you pronounce it?
/debolbeɾe la ʝamada/
Did you know?
- While you might expect a formal noun for 'a call', some Spanish speakers use the diminutive-style noun el telefonazo to describe a quick, sudden, or perhaps even blunt phone call.
- The verb llamar is used both for making a phone call and for the act of giving someone a name.
- The verb devolver used in devolveré la llamada is the same verb used when you return a borrowed book or a piece of clothing to its owner.
Examples in context
- Le agradezco su llamada y le prometo que regresaré la llamada lo antes posible.I appreciate your call and I promise that I will call back as soon as possible.
- Lamento no poder atender su llamada en este momento, pero voy a devolver la llamada en breve.I am sorry I cannot take your call at this moment, but I am going to call back shortly.
- Hola, estoy ocupado ahora, pero te llamo después para quedar.Hi, I'm busy now, but I'll call you later to meet up.
- No te preocupes, te devuelvo la llamada en un rato.Don't worry, I'll call you back in a little while.
- No puedo hablar ahora, devolveré la llamada más tarde.I cannot talk now, I will call back later.
- Espera un momento, devolveré la llamada en cuanto pueda.Wait a moment, I will call back as soon as I can.
- Te prometo que devolveré la llamada esta misma tarde.I promise you that I will call back this afternoon.
Example conversation
Mateo is at work and receives a call from Lucía.
- MateoHola Lucía, estoy en una reunión ahora.Hello Lucía, I am in a meeting right now.
- Lucía¿Podemos hablar en otro momento?Can we talk at another time?
- MateoSí, no te preocupes, devolveré la llamada pronto.Yes, don't worry, I will call back soon.
- LucíaPerfecto, espero tu llamada, Mateo.Perfect, I'll wait for your call, Mateo.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
