打电话 Making phone calls

Making phone calls uses special phrases because you can't see the other person. These phrases help you sound natural on the phone.

Answering the phone (接电话):

A: (Ring ring) Hello?
B: Hello, may I speak to Wang Hong, please?
A: This is Wang Hong speaking. Who's calling, please?
B: Hi, Wang Hong! This is Zhang Wei from your English class.
A: Oh hi Zhang Wei! How are you?
B: I'm good, thanks. I'm calling about tomorrow's group project. We need to meet to finish our presentation.
A: Sure, what time and where works for you?
B: Could we meet at 3 PM in the school library?
A: Perfect, I'll be there at the second floor study area.
B: Great! Should I bring the laptop?
A: Yes, please bring your laptop and all your notes. I'll bring the printed materials.
B: Perfect. See you tomorrow at 3!
A: See you there! Bye.

Leaving a voicemail (留语音信箱):

"Hello, this is Zhang Wei calling for Wang Hong. It's Wednesday at 2 PM. I'm calling about tomorrow's group project meeting. Could you call me back when you get this? My number is 138-XXXX-XXXX. Thank you, bye!"

Common phone phrases:

• "May I speak to...?" = formal way to ask for someone
• "Who's calling, please?" = who is this?
• "This is... speaking" = I am that person
• "Hold on, please" = wait, don't hang up
• "One moment, please" = wait briefly
• "I'll put you through" = transfer your call
• "The line is busy / engaged" = the person is talking to someone else
• "He/She's not available right now" = not here or busy
• "Would you like to leave a message?" = ask for voicemail
• "Can I take a message?" = offer to write down message
• "Sorry, wrong number" = you called the wrong telephone number

Practice: Write a phone call dialogue where you call a friend to ask about homework they have but you missed.