Spanish Phrase
Ahora mismo están en otra llamada.
Meaning
The sentence tells the listener that the people being referred to are currently occupied on a different call. It emphasizes that the situation is happening right this instant.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to explain why someone cannot take your call or attend a meeting because they are already speaking with someone else on the phone or video.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Ahoramismoestánenotrallamada
Ahora mismo
Adverbial phrase meaning 'right now' or 'at this very moment', adds immediacy.
Están (estar)
3rd person plural present of 'estar', used for temporary states or locations.
En + noun
Preposition 'en' introduces the place or situation where someone is.
Otra
Indefinite adjective meaning 'another' or 'different', agrees in gender and number with the noun.
Llamada
Feminine noun meaning 'call' (phone or video).
🗨In Conversation
¿Podemos hablar con María ahora?
Can we talk to María right now?
Lo siento, ahora mismo están en otra llamada.
Sorry, they're on another call right now.
✕Common Mistakes
Ahora mismo son en otra llamada.
Use 'estar' for temporary states; 'son' is for permanent characteristics.
Ahora mismo están en otro llamado.
The noun is feminine, so it must be 'llamada'.
Ahora están en otra llamada.
While 'ahora' alone is not wrong, dropping 'mismo' reduces the immediacy that the original phrase conveys.
↔Alternatives
En este momento están en otra llamada.
At this moment they are on another call.
Ahora están ocupados en otra llamada.
They are currently busy on another call.
Ahora mismo están ocupados en otra llamada.
Right now they are busy on another call.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking offices, saying 'están en otra llamada' is the standard way to indicate that someone is on a phone or video call. 'Llamada' covers both traditional phone calls and modern video conferences. Adding 'ahora mismo' adds urgency and is common in fast‑paced work environments, but you can drop 'mismo' for a slightly more neutral tone.