llamarle
/yah-MAHR-leh/
to call him/her/you
A person calling out to someone by shouting from a distance.
llamarle(verb)
to call him/her/you
?by phone or shouting
to phone him/her
?telecommunication
📝 In Action
Tengo que llamarle por teléfono esta tarde.
A1I have to call him/her on the phone this afternoon.
Si ves a Juan, puedes llamarle para que venga.
A2If you see Juan, you can call him so he comes over.
💡 Grammar Points
Sticking words together
The 'le' at the end of 'llamar' means 'him,' 'her,' or 'you (formal).' It sticks to the end only when the verb is in its 'to do' form (llamar) or a command (llámale).
Positioning 'le'
If you use a conjugated form like 'I call,' the 'le' moves to the front: 'le llamo.' It only stays on the back for the base form, the -ing form, or commands.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'lo' vs 'le'
Mistake: "Using 'llamarlo' instead of 'llamarle'."
Correction: Both can be correct! In Spain, people often use 'le' for men (him). In Latin America, 'lo' is more common for 'him.' Both are generally understood.
⭐ Usage Tips
Be Polite
Use 'llamarle' when you want to be formal with someone you'd address as 'usted' (like a boss or a stranger).
Identifying or labeling someone with a specific name or title.
llamarle(verb)
to call/label him/her
?using a name or title
to name him/her
?identifying someone
📝 In Action
Podemos llamarle 'jefe' si él quiere.
A2We can call him 'boss' if he wants.
No es correcto llamarle mentiroso.
B1It isn't right to call him a liar.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing someone
When you call someone a name or a title, you use this form. The 'le' refers to the person being named.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: llamarle
Question 1 of 2
How do you say 'I want to call him' using 'llamarle'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between llamarle and llamarlo?
Technically, 'lo' is for a direct object and 'le' is for an indirect object. However, in many parts of Spain, people use 'llamarle' to mean 'call him' (a practice called 'leísmo'). In Latin America, 'llamarle' is mostly used for set phrases like 'llamarle la atención'.
Can 'llamarle' mean 'to call her'?
Yes! 'Le' is gender-neutral when it refers to 'him,' 'her,' or 'you (formal).'