Italian · Real conversations

Calls and messages: useful Italian phrases

Handle a short call and confirm a message.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

Phone
il telefono
Phone
to call (phone)
chiamare
to call (phone)
to hear
sentire
to hear
to listen
ascoltare
to listen

Make the conversation more specific

Useful Italian expressions for calls and messages
What you want to say	Italian
Phone	il telefono Phone
to call (phone)	chiamare to call (phone)
to hear	sentire to hear
to listen	ascoltare to listen
Can you hear me?	Mi senti? Show English translation Can you hear me?
The connection is breaking up.	La linea va e viene. Show English translation The connection is breaking up.
Could you leave a message?	Potresti lasciare un messaggio? Show English translation Could you leave a message?
I'll call you back.	Ti richiamo. Show English translation I'll call you back.
Did you get my message?	Hai ricevuto il mio messaggio? Show English translation Did you get my message?

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Pronto, ci sei?
Hello, are you there?
You
Mi senti?
Can you hear me?
Partner
Ti sento, ma l'audio non è chiaro.
I can hear you, but the sound isn't clear.
You
La linea va e viene.
The connection is breaking up.

Calls and messages in other languages

A note on speaking Italian

Use tu with friends and Lei with someone you address formally. A request with vorrei or potrebbe can soften the tone; it still helps to say what you need clearly. The examples label the situation so you can choose the appropriate relationship.

Read doubled consonants distinctly and keep the written accents. The English translation explains the intended message; Italian often chooses a different construction rather than matching each English word.