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Phrasebook

French phrases for phone calls at work: introductions, transfers and messages

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

Handle professional calls in French with 26 lines across four scenes: introduce yourself, transfer a caller, leave a message and confirm details.

In short

Open with your name and organisation: Bonjour, Léa Martin, de la société Rivage. To transfer someone, say Je vous passe ma collègue. To leave a message, say Pourriez-vous lui demander de me rappeler ? Start with vous when speaking to a professional contact you do not know.

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A receptionist handles a call while a colleague waits nearby.
The receptionist offers je vous passe ma collègue. Illustration: Atelier
1

Calling a business contact

You are Léa, calling about a quotation. State your name before the purpose of the call.

Other personSociété Horizon, bonjour.Horizon, hello.
YouBonjour, Léa Martin, de la société Rivage.Hello, Léa Martin from Rivage.
YouJe vous appelle au sujet du devis pour notre réunion.I’m calling about the quotation for our meeting.Au sujet de introduces the reason for your call. Un devis is a quotation.
Other personOui, à qui souhaitez-vous parler ?Yes, who would you like to speak to?
YouJe souhaiterais parler à Madame Moreau, s’il vous plaît.I’d like to speak to Ms Moreau, please.
Other personUn instant, je regarde si elle est disponible.One moment, I’ll check whether she’s available.
2

Answering and transferring a call

You are covering reception. Check who is calling, then put them through.

YouService commercial, bonjour.Sales department, hello.
Other personBonjour, pourrais-je parler à Madame Moreau ?Hello, could I speak to Ms Moreau?
YouC’est de la part de qui, s’il vous plaît ?Who’s calling, please?This asks for the caller’s identity. It is a routine telephone formula.
Other personLéa Martin, de la société Rivage.Léa Martin from Rivage.
YouNe quittez pas, je vous la passe.Please hold, I’ll put you through to her.In je vous la passe, la refers to the woman you are connecting the caller to.
Other personMerci, je patiente.Thank you, I’ll hold.
3

Leaving a message with a colleague

You are the caller again. Give the recipient a precise action and a useful time.

Other personMadame Moreau est en réunion. Voulez-vous laisser un message ?Ms Moreau is in a meeting. Would you like to leave a message?
YouOui, pourriez-vous lui demander de me rappeler cet après-midi ?Yes, could you ask her to call me back this afternoon?
Other personBien sûr. Quel est l’objet de votre appel ?Of course. What is your call about?
YouC’est pour confirmer le nombre de participants à la réunion du 18 juin.It’s to confirm the number of participants at the meeting on 18 June.
Other personÀ quel numéro peut-elle vous joindre ?What number can she reach you on?
YouAu zéro six, douze, trente-quatre, cinquante-six, soixante-dix-huit.On 06 12 34 56 78.The number is grouped into pairs here. Repeat each pair slowly when confirming it.
YouJe suis joignable entre quatorze heures et seize heures.I can be reached between 2 pm and 4 pm.
Other personC’est noté. Je lui transmets votre message.Noted. I’ll pass on your message.
4

Checking details and closing

The line is unclear. Ask for repetition, then check the appointment before ending the call.

YouExcusez-moi, je vous entends mal. Pourriez-vous répéter la date ?Sorry, I can’t hear you clearly. Could you repeat the date?
Other personLe jeudi 18 juin, à dix heures.Thursday 18 June, at ten o’clock.
YouDonc, le 18 juin à dix heures, c’est bien cela ?So, 18 June at ten o’clock, is that right?
Other personExactement. Je vous envoie une confirmation par courriel.Exactly. I’ll send you confirmation by email.
YouMerci pour votre aide. Bonne journée, au revoir.Thank you for your help. Have a good day. Goodbye.
Other personJe vous en prie. Bonne journée à vous aussi.You’re welcome. Have a good day too.
Four small expressions that change the action
FrenchWhat happens next
Ne quittez pas.Stay on the line.
Je vous passe ma collègue.The call is transferred.
Je lui transmets votre message.A message is passed on.
Je vous rappelle.The speaker will call you back.

In Je vous passe ma collègue, vous is the caller. In Je lui transmets votre message, lui is the person who will receive the message. Keep the action clear: putting someone through happens during this call; passing on a message prepares a later reply.

Question 1No account needed
You are transferring the caller to your colleague now.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Je vous passe ma collègue.. The second option connects the caller to your colleague during the current call.

Question 2No account needed
Ask the caller to stay on the line.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Ne quittez pas.. The first option asks the caller to hold rather than end the call.

Question 3No account needed
Ask for a callback via a colleague.

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Pourriez-vous lui demander de me rappeler ?. The final option asks the colleague to arrange for the other person to call you back.

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