Spanish Phrase
Llama a emergencias.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to call the emergency services. It is the short, urgent way to ask for help in a crisis, equivalent to ‘Call emergency services!’ in English.
When to use
Use this phrase in any urgent situation where immediate assistance is needed—fires, accidents, medical emergencies, or when you hear someone else shouting for help.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Llamaaemergencias
Imperative (tú)
‘Llama’ is the affirmative imperative form of the verb *llamar* for the informal ‘tú’ subject.
Preposition *a*
When the direct object is a person, institution, or service, Spanish uses the preposition *a* before it.
Noun *emergencias*
*Emergencias* is a collective noun that stands for the emergency services (ambulance, fire, police).
🗨In Conversation
¡Hay un accidente en la calle!
There's an accident on the street!
Llama a emergencias.
Call emergency services.
✕Common Mistakes
Llamas a emergencias.
‘Llamas’ is the present indicative, not the command. Use the imperative ‘Llama’ for a direct order.
Llama emergencias.
The preposition *a* is required before the service noun.
Llama a la emergencias.
‘Emergencias’ is plural and does not take the singular article *la*.
↔Alternatives
Marca el número de emergencias.
Dial the emergency number.
Llama al 911.
Call 911.
Pide ayuda a emergencias.
Ask emergency services for help.
Cultural Tip
Emergency numbers differ across Spanish‑speaking countries: 112 is the EU standard, 911 is common in Mexico, Colombia, and many Central American nations, while Spain uses 112 as well. When you say *Llama a emergencias*, you’re usually expected to dial the local emergency number, not a specific agency. In formal contexts you might say *Llame a emergencias* (usted) to show respect.