Meaning
To converse using a telephone.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'falar no telefone' is extremely common and often preferred in casual speech. In Portugal, 'falar ao telefone' is the strictly correct form and is expected in formal settings. In professional settings, 'falar ao telefone' is used to show you are engaged in a work-related call. It is generally considered rude to talk loudly on the phone in public transport or restaurants.
Preposition usage
Use 'ao' for standard Portuguese and 'no' for informal Brazilian Portuguese.
Don't use for text
Only use this for voice calls, not for texting or messaging.
Meaning
To converse using a telephone.
Preposition usage
Use 'ao' for standard Portuguese and 'no' for informal Brazilian Portuguese.
Don't use for text
Only use this for voice calls, not for texting or messaging.
Continuous action
Use 'estar falando' to emphasize that you are currently in the middle of a call.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Eu estou ________ ao telefone agora.
Use the gerund for ongoing actions.
Which is correct?
Choose the correct phrase.
Both are widely used in Brazil, though 'ao' is standard.
Match the verb to the context.
Match the action to the phrase.
One is for the process, one is for the start.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você está ocupado? B: Sim, estou ________.
Fits the context of being busy.
🎉 Score: /4
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu estou ________ ao telefone agora.
Use the gerund for ongoing actions.
Choose the correct phrase.
Both are widely used in Brazil, though 'ao' is standard.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
One is for the process, one is for the start.
A: Você está ocupado? B: Sim, estou ________.
Fits the context of being busy.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questions'Ao' is standard. 'No' is common in Brazil.
No, only for voice calls.
It is neutral and works everywhere.
Estou falando ao telefone.
It's the same phrase.
Yes, but 'ao' is strictly preferred.
It's understood but less idiomatic.
Falei ao telefone.
No, it's a standard phrase.
Usually 'videochamada' is better, but it can be used.
Você pode me ligar?
Yes, 'o telefone'.
Related Phrases
atender o telefone
specialized formto answer the phone
ligar para alguém
similarto call someone
estar no telefone
similarto be on the phone
desligar o telefone
contrastto hang up
