Spanish Phrase
¿Cómo pones a alguien en espera?
Meaning
Literally, 'How do you put someone on hold?'. The sentence is used when you want to know the steps or the wording needed to place a caller on hold during a phone conversation.
When to use
Use this question in a call‑center training session, when asking a colleague for the proper procedure, or when you’re learning phone etiquette in Spanish. It’s also handy when you need to explain the action to a non‑technical person.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cómoponesaalguienenespera?
¿Cómo
Interrogative adverb meaning 'how', placed at the beginning of a question.
pones
Second‑person singular present of the verb *poner* (to put).
a (personal a)
The personal *a* is used before a direct object that refers to a person.
alguien
Indefinite pronoun meaning 'someone' or 'somebody'.
en espera
Prepositional phrase that works as a fixed expression meaning 'on hold'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cómo pones a alguien en espera?
How do you put someone on hold?
Primero presiono el botón de 'hold' y luego digo: 'Un momento, por favor'.
First I press the 'hold' button and then I say: 'One moment, please.'
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cómo ponga a alguien en espera?
Use *pones* (second‑person) unless you are speaking formally with *usted* (pondría).
¿Cómo pones a alguien espera?
The expression is *en espera*, not just *espera*.
¿Como pones a alguien en espera?
The interrogative *cómo* always carries an accent.
↔Alternatives
¿Cómo lo dejas en espera?
How do you leave them on hold?
¿Cómo lo mantienes en espera?
How do you keep them on hold?
¿Cómo lo pones en pausa?
How do you put them on pause?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries it is considered polite to announce that you are putting the caller on hold before actually doing it. Phrases such as 'Un momento, por favor' or 'Le pongo en espera' are standard. Also, avoid leaving the caller on hold for more than a minute without checking back, as it can be seen as disrespectful.