Meaning
To pick up the phone when it rings.
Cultural Background
Spaniards often answer with '¿Diga?' or '¿Dígame?'. It is direct and efficient. Using '¿Bueno?' would mark you immediately as a foreigner. The word '¿Bueno?' is the standard greeting. It dates back to early technical checks. Also, 'atender' is very common in offices. In Argentina, '¿Hola?' is very common, but 'atender' is preferred over 'coger' for picking up the phone due to the latter's vulgar meaning. Colombians are known for being very polite on the phone, often answering with '¿Aló, con quién hablo?' or '¿A la orden?'.
Use 'Atender' for Business
If you want to sound more professional in a Spanish-speaking office, use 'atender la llamada'. It sounds like you are providing service.
The 'Coger' Trap
Never use 'coger' for answering the phone in Mexico or Argentina unless you want to cause a very awkward or funny situation.
Meaning
To pick up the phone when it rings.
Use 'Atender' for Business
If you want to sound more professional in a Spanish-speaking office, use 'atender la llamada'. It sounds like you are providing service.
The 'Coger' Trap
Never use 'coger' for answering the phone in Mexico or Argentina unless you want to cause a very awkward or funny situation.
The 'Bueno' Mystery
If you call a Mexican friend and they say '¿Bueno?', they aren't asking if you are a good person; they are just saying 'Hello'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'contestar' in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ las llamadas de mi jefe.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb must end in '-o'.
Which sentence is the most natural for 'I didn't answer the call'?
Ayer...
'Contestar' is the most natural verb for this action in Spanish.
Match the verb with the correct noun.
Verbs: 1. Contestar, 2. Hacer, 3. Colgar. Nouns: A. Una llamada, B. El teléfono, C. Un mensaje.
You can contestar/hacer a call (llamada) and colgar the phone (teléfono).
Complete the dialogue.
Ana: '¿Por qué no cogiste el teléfono?' Luis: 'Perdona, no pude _______ la llamada porque estaba en el cine.'
Luis is explaining why he didn't pick up.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Regional Greetings
Spain
- • ¿Diga?
- • ¿Dígame?
- • ¿Sí?
Mexico
- • ¿Bueno?
South America
- • ¿Aló?
- • ¿Hola?
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ las llamadas de mi jefe.
The subject is 'Yo', so the verb must end in '-o'.
Ayer...
'Contestar' is the most natural verb for this action in Spanish.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
You can contestar/hacer a call (llamada) and colgar the phone (teléfono).
Ana: '¿Por qué no cogiste el teléfono?' Luis: 'Perdona, no pude _______ la llamada porque estaba en el cine.'
Luis is explaining why he didn't pick up.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it is correct and understood, but 'contestar' is more common in daily conversation.
Yes, 'la llamada' is always feminine. You must say 'una llamada' or 'las llamadas'.
They are almost identical. 'El teléfono' refers to the device, while 'una llamada' refers to the specific call.
You say 'Vi tu llamada perdida' or 'Perdí tu llamada'.
It is generally accepted, but people might look at you if you speak too loudly in a quiet place like a library or church.
Related Phrases
Hacer una llamada
contrastTo make a call.
Colgar el teléfono
contrastTo hang up the phone.
Llamada perdida
similarMissed call.
Pasar una llamada
builds onTo transfer a call.
