A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Call the police" in Spanish
Use 'Llame a la policía' to urgently request law enforcement assistance in an emergency.
Llame a la policía
YAH-meh ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ahformal
Spanish TTS · 0:01
You need to use this phrase when you witness a crime in progress, are a victim of a serious offense, or are in immediate danger. This is for situations requiring urgent police intervention.
Alternatives
- Llama a la policíaUse this when speaking informally to someone you know well.
- Necesito la policíaUse this to state your need directly, without issuing a command.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'llame' with 'llame' (phone)
'Llame' can mean 'call' (phone) or 'call' (summon), but context makes it clear.
Forgetting the 'a'
The 'a' after 'llame' is the personal 'a', required when the direct object is a person or group of people.
A small cultural note
In many Latin American countries, dialing 911 will connect you to emergency services, but the specific number can vary by country. It's always good to know the local emergency number if possible.
Frequently asked
how to say call police in spanish
The most common and formal way to say 'call the police' in Spanish is 'Llame a la policía'. This is appropriate for any emergency situation.
what is the spanish word for police
The Spanish word for 'police' is 'policía'. It's a feminine noun.
when to use llama vs llame spanish
'Llame' is the formal command form (usted), while 'llama' is the informal command form (tú). Use 'llame' when speaking to strangers or in formal situations.
