Navigate Phone Conversations in French: Essential Phrases to Know
Key French phrases for successful phone conversations.
Here are some essential French phrases for phone conversations, including greetings, asking for someone, holding the line, leaving messages, and polite expressions:
Starting the Call / Greeting
- Allô ? — Hello? (used only on the phone)
- Bonjour. — Hello / Good morning.
- Bonjour, [votre nom] à l’appareil. — Hello, [your name] speaking.
- (Name of company or person), bonjour. — Hello, this is (name) [formal].
Asking for Someone / Identifying Caller
- C’est de la part de qui ? — Who is calling? / Who’s speaking, please?
- Puis-je parler à [nom de la personne] ? — May I speak to [name]?
- Je voudrais parler à [nom] — I would like to speak to [name].
- Est-ce que [nom] est là ? — Is [name] there?
Holding, Transferring, and Busy
- Ne quittez pas. — Please hold.
- Un instant, s’il vous plaît. — One moment, please.
- Je vous le/la passe. — I’m putting him/her on (transfer).
- La ligne est occupée. — The line is busy.
- Elle n’est pas disponible. — She’s not available.
Leaving Messages
- Est-ce que je peux prendre un message ? — Can I take a message?
- Voulez-vous laisser un message ? — Do you want to leave a message?
- Je peux lui demander de vous rappeler. — I can ask him/her to call you back.
Ending / Polite Expressions
- Merci d’avoir appelé. — Thank you for calling.
- Je vous remercie. — Thank you.
- Au revoir. — Goodbye.
Clarification and Troubleshooting
- Pouvez-vous parler plus lentement, s’il vous plaît ? — Could you speak more slowly, please?
- Je vous entends mal. — I can’t hear you well.
- Comment épelez-vous votre nom ? — How do you spell your name?
These phrases cover most common phone situations, from informal to formal conversations, and help navigate a call with clarity and politeness in French.