In 15 Seconds
- Direct way to ask someone to call your phone.
- Uses the verb 'to hit' for making a call.
- Works for both friends and professional contacts.
Meaning
This is the most direct way to tell someone to give you a ring or get in touch via phone. It is simple, friendly, and works in almost any situation where you want to keep the conversation going later.
Key Examples
3 of 6Saying goodbye to a friend
有空给我打电话。
Call me when you're free.
Professional follow-up
请明天给我打电话。
Please call me tomorrow.
Urgent request
你到了就给我打电话！
Call me as soon as you arrive!
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the transition from landlines to mobile dominance in China. While WeChat (Weixin) is now the primary mode of communication, 'making a call' still holds a sense of urgency and directness that messaging lacks. In business culture, a phone call is often seen as more respectful than a long string of voice notes.
The 'Soft' Call
Add '个' (gè) to say '给我打个电话'. It makes the request sound much smaller and less like a chore.
Don't 'Hit' People
Remember '打' means 'to hit'. While it means 'to call' here, don't use it with people unless you mean a physical fight!
In 15 Seconds
- Direct way to ask someone to call your phone.
- Uses the verb 'to hit' for making a call.
- Works for both friends and professional contacts.
What It Means
给我打电话 is your go-to phrase for staying connected. It literally means "Give me a call." In Chinese, the verb for calling is 打 (to hit/strike). Think of it like "striking" the keys on an old-school phone. It is short, sweet, and impossible to misunderstand.
How To Use It
You place 给我 (to me) before the action 打电话 (make a phone call). It is a very active phrase. You are asking someone to take the initiative. If you want to be extra polite, just add 请 (please) at the very beginning. It feels natural and flows well in speech.
When To Use It
Use this when you are wrapping up a coffee date with a friend. It is perfect for business meetings when you want a follow-up. Use it when you are leaving the house and want your partner to check in. It is the universal "don't be a stranger" signal. Even in the age of apps, this phrase remains king.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if you actually want a text message. For texting, you should say 给我发短信. Also, avoid using the command form with high-ranking officials or elders without adding 请. It might sound a bit too bossy if you forget your manners! Don't use it if you don't actually want your phone ringing at 2 AM.
Cultural Background
Phones changed everything in China, just like everywhere else. In the 90s, having a "hand phone" was a huge status symbol. Today, while everyone uses WeChat, 打电话 still implies a level of urgency or importance. A phone call shows you really care about the person's time. It is seen as more personal than a simple text bubble.
Common Variations
You will often hear 给我打个电话. Adding that little 个 makes it sound softer and more casual. If you are in a rush, you might just say 回电 (call back). In some regions, people might say 拨通我的号码 (dial my number), but that is way more formal. Stick to the classic version for the best results.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and highly versatile. The main 'gotcha' is the word order; always ensure '给我' (to me) comes before the verb '打电话'.
The 'Soft' Call
Add '个' (gè) to say '给我打个电话'. It makes the request sound much smaller and less like a chore.
Don't 'Hit' People
Remember '打' means 'to hit'. While it means 'to call' here, don't use it with people unless you mean a physical fight!
The WeChat Era
Many young Chinese people prefer a WeChat voice call over a traditional phone call. The phrase still works for both!
Examples
6有空给我打电话。
Call me when you're free.
Adding 'when free' makes it a very warm, casual invitation.
请明天给我打电话。
Please call me tomorrow.
Using 'please' (请) makes this professional and polite.
你到了就给我打电话！
Call me as soon as you arrive!
The structure 'as soon as... then...' shows concern or urgency.
你想我了就给我打电话。
Call me if you miss me.
A playful, slightly flirty way to use the phrase.
别只发微信，给我打电话！
Don't just send WeChats, call me!
Used when someone is sending too many text messages.
我们可以晚点再给我打电话讨论吗？
Can you call me later to discuss this?
A polite way to move a topic to a private conversation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to ask someone to call you tomorrow.
明天 ___ 打电话。
The phrase '给我' (to me) is required to indicate who should receive the call.
Make the phrase more polite.
___ 给我打电话。
'请' (qǐng) means please and is the standard way to add politeness.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Call Me'
With friends: '给我打个电话'
Hey, call me!
Standard: '给我打电话'
Call me later.
With elders/bosses: '请给我打电话'
Please give me a call.
When to say '给我打电话'
Ending a date
Call me tomorrow!
Business card exchange
Give me a call next week.
Safety check
Call me when you get home.
Customer Service
Please call our office.
Practice Bank
2 exercises明天 ___ 打电话。
The phrase '给我' (to me) is required to indicate who should receive the call.
___ 给我打电话。
'请' (qǐng) means please and is the standard way to add politeness.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! Even though it literally means 'telephone,' people use 打电话 for any voice call, including those on WeChat.
It can be a bit direct. Always add 请 (please) at the start: 请给我打电话 to keep it professional.
It literally means 'to hit' or 'to strike.' It's used for many actions like playing basketball or typing.
You can say 给我回个电话 (gěi wǒ huí gè diànhuà), which specifically means 'return my call.'
Yes, if you want them to call *you*. If you just say 打电话, it just means 'make a phone call' in general.
联系我 (liánxì wǒ) means 'contact me,' which could be via email, text, or carrier pigeon. 给我打电话 is specifically for voice.
Absolutely. It's very common to text someone 给我打电话 if you're tired of typing and want to talk instead.
You might hear people say 电联 (diàn lián), which is a short, cool way of saying 'contact via phone' in business texts.
Just put the time at the beginning, like 下午给我打电话 (Call me in the afternoon).
You would say 别给我打电话 (bié gěi wǒ dǎ diànhuà). Use this sparingly!
Related Phrases
发短信
Send a text message
回电话
Call back
接电话
Answer the phone
保持联系
Keep in touch
