Talking on the phone

Talking on the Phone in Italian

This lesson focuses on essential vocabulary and expressions for having effective telephone conversations in Italian at an intermediate (B1) level. You'll learn how to start and end a call politely, manage common situations during a phone conversation, and handle interruptions or misunderstandings. The content equips you for real-life phone interactions, whether for personal or professional purposes.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

• Pronto? – The standard way to say "Hello?" when answering the phone.
• Chi parla? – "Who is speaking?" Used to ask who is on the line.
• Posso parlare con... – "May I speak to..." for requesting to speak to someone.
• Mi dispiace, non c'è. – "I'm sorry, he/she is not here."
• Riposso richiamare più tardi? – "Can I call back later?"
• Un attimo, per favore. – "One moment, please."
• Ti richiamo più tardi. – "I'll call you back later."

Dialogue Examples

Answering the phone:
– "Pronto?" – "Ciao, sono Marco. Posso parlare con Laura?"

Leaving a message:
– "Mi dispiace, Laura non c’è al momento. Vuoi lasciare un messaggio?"

Important Tips for Telephone Conversations

• Use polite forms like per favore (please) and grazie (thank you) frequently to maintain courtesy.
• Speak clearly and slowly, especially when conveying important information like phone numbers or addresses.
• When you don’t understand something, you can say Può ripetere, per favore? (Can you repeat, please?) to ask for clarification.

Differences Between English and Italian Telephone Etiquette

In Italian, it is customary to answer the phone simply with Pronto? rather than saying "Hello." This single word is universally understood and expected in Italy. Additionally, Italians tend to use polite forms and formal titles more than in English in similar settings. For example, when speaking to someone you do not know well or in a professional context, using Lei forms and polite expressions is important.

Another difference lies in closing a conversation: while English speakers often say "Goodbye" or "Talk to you later," Italians might say Arrivederci (formal) or A presto (see you soon), which convey a warm, friendly tone suitable for various situations.