llame
/YAH-meh / SHAH-meh (in certain regions)/
call
Use llame when asking someone formally to call.
llame(verb)
call
?(formal command or suggestion)
ring
?(by phone)
,may call
?(expressing a wish or possibility)
📝 In Action
Si tiene dudas, llame a la oficina.
A1If you have doubts, call the office (formal command).
Necesito que él me llame inmediatamente.
A2I need him to call me immediately.
Espero que no me llame tan tarde.
A2I hope that he doesn't call me so late.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Commands (Usted)
When you use 'llame' as a formal command (addressing someone respectfully as 'usted'), it tells them what to do: 'Llame mañana' (Call tomorrow).
Expressing Wishes (Subjunctive)
You must use 'llame' when expressing wishes, desires, or necessities after certain phrases like 'Quiero que...' or 'Es importante que...': 'Quiero que me llame' (I want him/her/you to call me).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Command Levels
Mistake: "Le digo a mi amigo: 'Llame pronto.'"
Correction: You should use the informal command (tú) for friends: 'Llama pronto.' Use 'Llame' only for formal interactions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
In Spain, the double 'll' usually sounds like the 'y' in 'yes.' In many parts of Latin America, it sounds more like the 'j' in 'jeep' or 'sh' in 'ship.' Both are correct!
Llame can be used formally when asking someone to name something or someone.
llame(verb)
name
?(formal command or suggestion)
may be named
?(expressing possibility)
📝 In Action
No sé cómo se llame ese plato, pero es delicioso.
A2I don't know what that dish is called (may be named), but it is delicious.
Espero que le llame Juan a su hijo.
B1I hope he names his son Juan.
Piense en un nombre que llame la atención.
B1Think of a name that draws attention.
💡 Grammar Points
The Passive Idea of Being Called
When asking for a name, you use the reflexive form 'se llame': '¿Cómo quiere que se llame?' (What do you want it to be called?).
Use llame formally when instructing someone to knock on a door or window.
📝 In Action
Llame antes de entrar.
A2Knock before entering (formal command).
Dudo que alguien llame a la puerta a esta hora.
B2I doubt anyone would knock on the door at this hour.
Es crucial que llame con calma y espere.
B1It is crucial that you knock calmly and wait.
💡 Grammar Points
Always use 'a'
When talking about knocking, you always use the preposition 'a' followed by the location: 'llamar a la puerta' (knock at the door).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: llame
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'llame' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'llame' is a command or a subjunctive form?
If 'llame' starts the sentence and is directed at a formal listener (Usted), it's a command (e.g., 'Llame mañana'). If it appears after a verb of wish or doubt and follows 'que' (e.g., 'Dudo que llame'), it's the subjunctive expressing uncertainty.
Is 'llame' always formal?
No. When used for the 'yo' (I) or 'él/ella' (he/she) subjects in the present subjunctive, it is not formal, but rather expresses desire or uncertainty about those subjects: 'Yo quiero que él llame' (I want him to call).