Por Favor...or just Favor.

Question

Would you get away with just saying "favor" or does it always have to be "por favor".Seems a bit long winded for just "please" ...

Answer 1

Hmmm, I have heard "por favor" chopped down to "porfa" (even "porfas" if you're trying to sound "street")... used so nonchalantly & frequently that it appears to be evolving right before my ears... Southwestern USA & Northern México, in case you're wondering where this clipped phrase is becoming commonplace!

Answer 2

You use just "favor" when you want to say that you need or want a favor. - Puedes hacer me un favor. For please, use "por favor".

• Thanks,kdrinning... - teabag Feb 4, 2012

Answer 3

You can use favor by itself like this:

¡Favor de entrar!

This means

Por favor, ¡entra!

Answer 4

In Traditional Spanish conversation I have never come across the dropping of ¨por¨ in ¨por favor¨. It isn´t done. It would be rude. It´s mostly used by foreigners anyway, Spaniards rarely use it.

Answer 5

Like Cristalina I have notice "porfa" as "street" talk but depending on how you want to be perceived it's hardly going to be of much practical use. I heard it in the 80s and 90s in Barcelona in the clubs and late night music venues.

• Wow, Barcelona no less... just wanted to add an "o" to my moniker so I'm 'perceived' as male! jeje - cristalino Feb 6, 2012