Meaning
To pick up a ringing telephone and respond.
Cultural Background
New employees are often expected to be the first to answer the phone. This is called 'denwa-ban' (phone watch). It is considered a way to learn the names of clients and practice polite language. On trains, there are signs asking passengers to set their phones to 'manner mode' (silent) and refrain from talking. Answering a phone on a train is a major social faux pas. When answering a landline at home, Japanese people often say 'Hai, [Family Name] desu' instead of 'Hello'. 'Moshimoshi' is also common but slightly less formal. Younger Japanese people increasingly prefer texting (LINE) over calling. Answering a phone call unexpectedly can be seen as 'denwa-hara' (phone harassment) if it interrupts someone's focus.
The 'Two-Ring' Rule
In Japan, aim to answer by the second ring to show professional respect.
Particle Trap
Never use 'wo' with 'deru' in this context. It's always 'ni'.
Meaning
To pick up a ringing telephone and respond.
The 'Two-Ring' Rule
In Japan, aim to answer by the second ring to show professional respect.
Particle Trap
Never use 'wo' with 'deru' in this context. It's always 'ni'.
Moshimoshi
Only say 'Moshimoshi' after you have answered. Don't use it in business; use 'Hai, [Company Name] desu'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct particle to complete the sentence: {電話|でんわ}（ ）{出|で}る。
{電話|でんわ}（ ）{出|で}る。
The verb {出|で}る (to appear/exit) takes the particle {に|に} when referring to the phone you are answering.
Fill in the blank with the potential form of {出|で}る (can answer).
{忙|いそが}しくて{電話|でんわ}に（ ）。
To say 'cannot answer', you use the potential negative form {出|で}られません.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {電話|でんわ}が{鳴|な}っていますよ。 B: すみません、{今|いま}（ ）。
B is volunteering to answer the ringing phone, so {出|で}ます is the correct choice.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Which phrase is best for: 'I missed a call because I was sleeping'?
This correctly uses the potential negative to explain the inability to answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises{電話|でんわ}（ ）{出|で}る。
The verb {出|で}る (to appear/exit) takes the particle {に|に} when referring to the phone you are answering.
{忙|いそが}しくて{電話|でんわ}に（ ）。
To say 'cannot answer', you use the potential negative form {出|で}られません.
A: {電話|でんわ}が{鳴|な}っていますよ。 B: すみません、{今|いま}（ ）。
B is volunteering to answer the ringing phone, so {出|で}ます is the correct choice.
Which phrase is best for: 'I missed a call because I was sleeping'?
This correctly uses the potential negative to explain the inability to answer.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! {玄関|げんかん}に{出|で}る or {インターホン|いんたーほん}に{出|で}る is also correct.
No, it is grammatically incorrect. Always use 'ni'.
'Deru' is more general and common. 'Toru' is more physical and common in offices.
You can say '{電話中|でんわちゅう}です' or '{電話|でんわ}に{出|で}ています'.
It comes from the historical need to 'exit' a room to go to where the phone was located.
Yes, it is becoming common to use '{電話|でんわ}に{出|で}る' or '{会議|かいぎ}に{出|で}る' for digital calls.
You say '{電話|でんわ}に{出|で}られなかった' (I couldn't answer).
It is neutral/casual. In formal business, it is better to avoid it and use 'Hai'.
{早|はや}く{電話|でんわ}に{出|で}て！
Yes, especially in offices and older households, so this phrase remains very relevant.
Related Phrases
{電話|でんわ}を{掛|か}ける
contrastTo make a phone call.
{電話|でんわ}を{取|と}る
similarTo pick up the phone.
{電話|でんわ}を{切|き}る
contrastTo hang up the phone.
{電話|でんわ}を{代|か}わる
builds onTo switch people on the phone.
{留守番電話|るすばんでんわ}
similarAnswering machine / Voicemail.
