Phrases and Vocabulary for Phone Calls in Italian

Introduction

Making phone calls in a foreign language can be a bit intimidating, especially when there are no visual cues to help you. In Italian, phone conversations have their own specific phrases and etiquette. To help you feel more confident, here’s a guide to common Italian expressions and vocabulary you’ll need when answering, making, or handling phone calls.

Answering the Phone

When you answer the phone in Italy, you won’t typically say “Hello” like in English. Instead, the standard greeting is:

• Pronto? – Hello? (literally, “ready?”)

After you’ve said “Pronto,” you might add:

• Chi parla? – Who is speaking?

• Con chi parlo? – Who am I speaking with?

If you are the one answering for someone else:

• Chi desidera? – Whom would you like to speak to?

• Mi dica. – Tell me. (A polite way to say “How can I help you?”)

Introducing Yourself

When calling someone, you’ll want to start with a polite introduction. A few options are:

• Buongiorno, sono Sarah. – Good morning, this is Sarah.

• Ciao, sono Sarah. – Hi, it’s Sarah. (informal)

• Sono Sarah di Italiano Chiaro. – This is Sarah from Italiano Chiaro.

Asking to Speak with Someone

Once you’ve introduced yourself, here are ways to ask to speak with someone:

• Potrei parlare con [nome]? – Could I speak with [name]?

• Vorrei parlare con [nome], per favore. – I’d like to speak with [name], please.

Holding and Transferring Calls

In professional settings, you might need to ask someone to wait or inform them of a transfer:

• Un momento, per favore. – One moment, please.

• Le passo [nome]. – I’ll put [name] on the line.

• Può attendere un attimo? – Can you wait a moment?

If the person is not available:

• [Nome] non è in ufficio al momento. – [Name] is not in the office right now.

• [Nome] è impegnato/a, può chiamare più tardi? – [Name] is busy, can you call back later?

Leaving a Message

If the person you need to talk to isn’t available, you can leave a message:

• Vuole lasciare un messaggio? – Would you like to leave a message?

• Posso lasciare un messaggio per [nome]? – Can I leave a message for [name]?

• Potrebbe dirgli/le che ho chiamato? – Could you tell him/her that I called?

Ending the Call

It’s always good to end your call politely:

• Grazie per la chiamata. – Thank you for the call.

• Ci sentiamo presto. – Talk to you soon.

• Arrivederci. – Goodbye. (formal)

• A presto! – See you soon! (informal)

Common Vocabulary

• Telefono – Phone

• Chiamata – Call

• Rispondere – To answer

• Numero di telefono – Phone number

• Messaggio – Message

• Segreteria telefonica – Voicemail

• Linea – Line

• Occupato/a – Busy

• Rete mobile – Mobile network

• Ricarica – Top-up