मतलब
Speaking to someone via telephone.
सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि
Italians often use wide gestures even while on the phone, as if the other person could see them. This 'physical' way of talking is part of the 'essere al telefono' experience. In the South, being 'al telefono' in public is often a very loud and shared experience. It's not uncommon to hear an entire family's business while sitting on a bus in Naples. In Italian offices, 'essere al telefono' is a respected shield. If someone is on the phone, you do not interrupt them, even for urgent matters, unless it's a fire. In Italian-speaking Switzerland, the phrase is used with Swiss precision. Being 'al telefono' during a meeting is considered much ruder than in Italy.
The 'Al' Rule
Always remember 'al'. If you say 'su', Italians will understand you, but they will immediately know you are translating from English.
Speakerphone Etiquette
In Italy, being 'al telefono' on speakerphone in public is common but often considered annoying. Use headphones to be more 'educato' (polite).
मतलब
Speaking to someone via telephone.
The 'Al' Rule
Always remember 'al'. If you say 'su', Italians will understand you, but they will immediately know you are translating from English.
Speakerphone Etiquette
In Italy, being 'al telefono' on speakerphone in public is common but often considered annoying. Use headphones to be more 'educato' (polite).
Stare vs Essere
Use 'stare al telefono' when you want to sound more like a native complaining about a teenager: 'Sta sempre al telefono!'
The 'Pronto' Connection
When you are 'al telefono', the first word you say is always 'Pronto!'. It's the essential start to the state of being on the phone.
खुद को परखो
Fill in the missing preposition and article (contraction).
Scusa, mio fratello è ___ telefono con il suo capo.
In Italian, the fixed expression for 'on the phone' is 'al telefono'.
Choose the most natural way to say 'I was on the phone all morning'.
Come si dice: 'I was on the phone all morning'?
'Essere' takes 'essere' as an auxiliary in the past tense, and the preposition must be 'al'.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of 'essere al telefono'.
A: Posso parlare con Giulia? B: No, lei _______ con un cliente.
The subject is 'lei' (Giulia), so the verb must be 'è'.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'Scusi, sono al telefono, può ripassare?'
The phrase is used to tell someone you are currently busy with a call.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
विज़ुअल लर्निंग टूल्स
Italian vs English Prepositions
अभ्यास बैंक
4 अभ्यासScusa, mio fratello è ___ telefono con il suo capo.
In Italian, the fixed expression for 'on the phone' is 'al telefono'.
Come si dice: 'I was on the phone all morning'?
'Essere' takes 'essere' as an auxiliary in the past tense, and the preposition must be 'al'.
A: Posso parlare con Giulia? B: No, lei _______ con un cliente.
The subject is 'lei' (Giulia), so the verb must be 'è'.
'Scusi, sono al telefono, può ripassare?'
The phrase is used to tell someone you are currently busy with a call.
🎉 स्कोर: /4
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, that is a literal translation from English and is grammatically incorrect in Italian. Always use 'al'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You can still say 'essere al telefono' if you are using your phone, but 'essere in videochiamata' or 'essere in call' is becoming more common.
No, it specifically means you are in a call. If you are just holding it, say 'ho il telefono in mano'.
Use the passato prossimo: 'Sono stato al telefono' or the imperfetto: 'Ero al telefono'.
'Al' is a combined preposition (a + il). It means 'at the'.
Usually no. For texting, use 'scrivere un messaggio' or 'stare al cellulare'.
Yes, but 'essere al telefono' is the more traditional and common idiomatic expression.
There isn't a single word, but you could say 'essere libero' (to be free) or 'aver riagganciato' (to have hung up).
No, for social media they say 'stare sui social' or 'stare su Instagram'.
संबंधित मुहावरे
stare al telefono
similarTo be on the phone (emphasizing duration).
riagganciare il telefono
builds onTo hang up the phone.
passare il telefono
relatedTo hand the phone to someone else.
essere in linea
specialized formTo be on the line / on hold.
parlare al telefono
synonymTo talk on the phone.
