Italian · Home, Clothes & Daily Life
"Phone" in Italian: telefono
il telefono
Note: mobile: il cellulare
Phone in Italian is il telefono (eel teh-LEH-foh-noh). A mobile is often il cellulare or il telefonino, but telefono still covers the device and the call: al telefono means on the phone.
Quiet carriage request
Per favore, spegni il telefono o mettilo in silenzioso.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce telefono
Say it
eel teh-LEH-foh-noh
/il teˈlɛ.fo.no/
Telefono stresses LEH: teh-LEH-foh-noh. Keep all four syllables clear.
"Phone" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| il telefono | phone Device or the phone in general. | Device or the phone in general. |
| al telefono | on the phone In a call. | In a call. |
| numero di telefono | phone number Asking or giving a number. | Asking or giving a number. |
| rispondere al telefono | to answer the phone When it rings. | When it rings. |
How to use telefono in real life
- 1Quiet carriage request
Per favore, spegni il telefono o mettilo in silenzioso.
Please turn off the phone or put it on silent.
Il telefono for the device.
- 2Office interruption
È al telefono con un cliente.
She's on the phone with a client.
Al telefono = on the phone.
- 3Exchanging contacts
Mi lasci il suo numero di telefono?
Will you leave me your phone number?
Numero di telefono is the full phrase.
Mistakes English speakers make with telefono
Incorrect: La telefono è scarico.
Correct: Il telefono è scarico.
Telefono is masculine: il telefono.
Incorrect: Ti telefono il numero.
Correct: Ti do il numero di telefono. / Ti telefono io.
Telefonare means to call someone; a number is numero di telefono.
Good to know
People still say telefono even for smartphones; cellulare highlights that it is mobile. Answering with pronto? is classic Italian phone culture, and leaving your numero di telefono at a hotel desk is still normal.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Trying to reach a late friend
ChatPal
Hai il telefono carico?
Is your phone charged?
You
Sì, ma non risponde al telefono.
Yes, but he's not answering the phone.
ChatPal
Allora gli mando un messaggio sul telefono.
Then I'll send him a message on the phone.
You
Ok, io provo un altro numero di telefono.
Ok, I'll try another phone number.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Phone" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Phone" in Italian
Is telefono only landline?
No. It covers phones in general; cellulare specifies a mobile.
How do I say phone number?
Numero di telefono, often shortened to numero.
How do I say I'm on the phone?
Sono al telefono.
What does telefonare mean?
To call someone: ti telefono più tardi.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- How to Learn Italian Fast and Speak with ConfidenceLearn how to learn Italian with a clear roadmap, speaking-first tactics and daily habits that turn basics into real conversation confidence.
- Translate Hello in Italian with ConfidenceLearn how to translate hello in Italian with context, pronunciation, and practice prompts. Master ciao, buongiorno, buonasera, and salve for real conversations.
