Spanish Phrase
¿Quieres dejar un mensaje?
Meaning
A polite question asking the listener if they would like to leave a message, typically used in phone calls, at reception desks, or in any situation where a spoken note can be recorded.
When to use
Use this phrase when you answer a call and the other person wants to speak after you, when a receptionist offers to take a note, or when you’re offering someone the chance to record a voicemail.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Quieresdejarunmensaje?
¿Quieres (querer)
Second‑person singular present of *querer* used informally; means ‘do you want’. The accent on the í is essential.
dejar (infinitive)
When a verb of desire (querer, gustar, poder) is followed by another action, the second verb stays in the infinitive.
un mensaje
Indefinite article *un* + noun *mensaje* (message). No article is needed if you refer to a specific message.
🗨In Conversation
¿Quieres dejar un mensaje?
Do you want to leave a message?
Sí, por favor. Dile que volveré mañana.
Yes, please. Tell them I’ll be back tomorrow.
✕Common Mistakes
Queres dejar un mensaje?
Missing accent on the í; the correct form is *¿Quieres?*
¿Quieres dejas un mensaje?
After *quieres* the second verb must stay in infinitive, not conjugated.
¿Quieres dejar el mensaje?
Using the definite article *el* would change the meaning to a specific message already known.
↔Alternatives
¿Te gustaría dejar un mensaje?
Would you like to leave a message?
¿Deseas dejar un mensaje?
Do you wish to leave a message?
¿Quiere dejar un mensaje?
Do you want to leave a message? (formal)
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries, leaving a voicemail is common etiquette, but the level of formality matters. Use *¿Quieres…?* with friends or peers, and switch to *¿Quiere…?* when speaking to strangers, elders, or in a professional setting. Also, be aware that some regions prefer *mensaje* for a short note, while *recado* is used in parts of Mexico for a more informal message.