Spanish for Print Shops: Asking for Double-Sided and Landscape Printing
Learn to say 'a doble cara' and 'horizontal' in Spanish to get duplex and landscape printing at a neighborhood print shop.
By TheaFirst conversations · Yapr Learn
When you need printing done in a Spanish-speaking neighborhood, you'll want to specify exactly how the pages should come out. This lesson teaches you the key terms 'a doble cara' (double-sided) and 'horizontal' (landscape), plus 'vertical' (portrait). You'll practice asking for 'a doble cara y horizontal' so your document prints correctly the first time. These phrases are practical for any print shop interaction, whether you're printing a flyer, a report, or a presentation.
By the end, you can…
- ask for double-sided printing using 'a doble cara'.
- specify page orientation with 'vertical' or 'horizontal'.
- combine both requests in a single sentence.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
¿Me lo puede imprimir a doble cara?
Can you print it double-sided for me?
meh loh PWEH-deh eem-pree-MEER ah DOH-bleh KAH-rah
Use this to ask for duplex printing. 'Me lo' refers to the document.
Quiero que salga horizontal, por favor.
I want it to come out landscape, please.
KYEH-roh keh SAL-gah oh-ree-zon-TAL por fah-VOR
Use 'horizontal' for landscape orientation. 'Salga' is from 'salir' (to come out).
A doble cara y horizontal, por favor.
Double-sided and landscape, please.
ah DOH-bleh KAH-rah ee oh-ree-zon-TAL por fah-VOR
Combines both requests in one short phrase. Useful when handing over the document.
¿Lo puede poner en vertical?
Can you set it to portrait?
loh PWEH-deh poh-NEHR en behr-tee-KAL
Use 'vertical' for portrait orientation. 'Poner' means to set or put.
Necesito que sea a doble cara y en horizontal.
I need it to be double-sided and in landscape.
neh-seh-SEE-toh keh SEH-ah ah DOH-bleh KAH-rah ee en oh-ree-zon-TAL
A more complete sentence. 'Sea' is from 'ser' (to be).
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To request a printing feature, use '¿Me lo puede...?' + verb + 'a doble cara' or 'en horizontal/vertical'. For example: '¿Me lo puede imprimir a doble cara?' (Can you print it double-sided for me?) or '¿Lo puede poner en horizontal?' (Can you set it to landscape?). You can also state your need directly: 'Necesito que sea a doble cara y horizontal.' The key terms are 'a doble cara' (double-sided), 'horizontal' (landscape), and 'vertical' (portrait).
When to use it
Use these phrases when you hand your document to the print shop staff. Start with a polite question: '¿Me lo puede imprimir a doble cara?' Then add orientation: 'y en horizontal, por favor.' If you need to change it, say 'Mejor en vertical' (Better in portrait). In Latin America, 'horizontal' and 'vertical' are widely understood, but some may say 'apaisado' for landscape; however, 'horizontal' is safe and common. Always say 'por favor' to keep a friendly tone.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Buenos días, necesito imprimir este documento.
Good morning, I need to print this document.BWEH-nohs DEE-ahs neh-seh-SEE-toh eem-pree-MEER EHS-teh doh-koo-MEN-tohClaro, ¿cómo lo quiere?
Of course, how do you want it?KLAH-roh KOH-moh loh KYEH-rehA doble cara y horizontal, por favor.
Double-sided and landscape, please.ah DOH-bleh KAH-rah ee oh-ree-zon-TAL por fah-VORPerfecto, en un momento estará listo.
Perfect, it will be ready in a moment.pehr-FEHK-toh en oon moh-MEN-toh ehs-tah-RAH LEES-tohA little context goes a long way
In many Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, print shops are small, family-run businesses where a friendly tone matters. Using 'por favor' and a greeting like 'Buenos días' is expected. While 'horizontal' is widely understood, in some regions like Argentina, 'apaisado' is more common for landscape. If you're unsure, you can say 'horizontal' and the staff will understand. Avoid giving orders without a polite frame; a question or 'necesito' is softer.
One thing to watch for
Using 'doble lado' instead of 'a doble cara'.
Try this instead: 'Doble lado' is not used for printing. The correct phrase is 'a doble cara'. For example: 'Quiero imprimir a doble cara' (I want to print double-sided).
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask for double-sided printing?
Show a sample answer
¿Me lo puede imprimir a doble cara?
This is a polite question using 'me lo' and 'a doble cara'. You could also say 'Necesito que sea a doble cara'.
2What word means 'landscape' in Spanish?
Show a sample answer
Horizontal
'Horizontal' is the standard term. In some regions, 'apaisado' is used, but 'horizontal' is widely understood.
3Combine double-sided and portrait in one request.
Show a sample answer
A doble cara y vertical, por favor.
This combines both features. You could also say 'Quiero que sea a doble cara y en vertical'.
Use 'a doble cara' for double-sided and 'horizontal' or 'vertical' for orientation. Combine them: 'A doble cara y horizontal, por favor.' Always add 'por favor' for a polite interaction.
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