Meaning
To communicate verbally using a telephone.
Cultural Background
French people value the 'bonjour' before starting a conversation on the phone. In Quebec, you might hear 'être sur le téléphone' more often due to English influence. In professional settings, 'être en ligne' is preferred over 'parler au téléphone'.
Contraction
Always remember that 'à le' becomes 'au'.
Don't use 'sur'
Avoid 'sur le téléphone' as it sounds like you are standing on the device.
Meaning
To communicate verbally using a telephone.
Contraction
Always remember that 'à le' becomes 'au'.
Don't use 'sur'
Avoid 'sur le téléphone' as it sounds like you are standing on the device.
Etiquette
Keep your voice low when using this phrase in public.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Je _____ au téléphone.
The subject 'Je' requires the -e ending.
Choose the correct preposition.
Il parle ____ téléphone.
The contraction of 'à le' is 'au'.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
Parler au téléphone
It describes the state of being in a conversation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu es libre ? B: Non, je ____.
Needs a conjugated verb phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJe _____ au téléphone.
The subject 'Je' requires the -e ending.
Il parle ____ téléphone.
The contraction of 'à le' is 'au'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
It describes the state of being in a conversation.
A: Tu es libre ? B: Non, je ____.
Needs a conjugated verb phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, use 'être en visio' for video calls.
It is neutral and suitable for all situations.
Because 'téléphone' is masculine.
Yes, that is perfectly correct.
Yes, it is one of the most common ways to describe this action.
The phrase remains the same.
Use 'Je t'appelle'.
Yes, 'Je suis en ligne' or 'Je suis au fil'.
Related Phrases
Téléphoner à quelqu'un
synonymTo call someone
Passer un coup de fil
similarTo make a quick call
Être en ligne
similarTo be on the line
