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Grammar Lesson 90:

How to answer (and speak on) the phone in Italian

In Italian when you answer the phone, you usually say say “Pronto?”. “Pronto” literally means “Ready” but it obviously translates in this context as “Hello?”.

Mind that some people prefer to say “Sì?” (“Yes?”) when picking up the phone, so don’t be surprised if you hear that.

Examples:

- “Pronto?” “Buongiorno sono Giovanni Magri, sto cercando il signor Rossi.” (“Hello?” “Hi, it’s Giovanni Magri calling, is Mr Rossi there?”

- “Sì? Chi parla?” (“Hello? Who’s speaking?”)

Some expressions:

- “Un secondo. Te lo/a passo.” (“Just a sec. I’ll get him/her.”)

- “Un momento. Vedo se può parlarle.” (“One moment please. I’ll see if he/she is available.”)

- “Resti in linea. Glielo/a passo subito.” (Hold the line please. I’ll put you through in a moment.”)

- “Attenda un attimo. Devo rispondere a un’altra chiamata.” (“Please, hold for just a minute. I have another call.”)

- “Vuole lasciare un messaggio?” (“Would you like to leave a message?”)

- “Lascerò detto che ha chiamato.” (“I’ll let him/her/them know you called.”)

- C’è Giovanni al telefono. (There’s Giovanni on the phone.)

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