How to Answer the Phone Politely in Italian: Formal and Informal Phrases
Learn to answer phone calls in Italian with the right register, from a casual 'Pronto?' to formal greetings like 'Buongiorno, sono...' and 'Chi parla?'.
By LiamCulture & nuance · Yapr Learn
Answering the phone in Italian is not simply a matter of translating 'Hello.' The word you choose immediately signals your relationship with the caller and the level of formality you intend. In this lesson you will learn the standard opener 'Pronto?', how to identify yourself with 'sono' or 'parla', how to ask who is calling, and how to handle wrong numbers politely. All examples are in standard contemporary Italian, with notes on regional and register differences where they matter.
By the end, you can…
- answer a phone call in Italian using the appropriate formal or informal greeting.
- identify myself on the phone and ask who is calling politely.
- respond to a wrong number or a request to wait without sounding rude.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Pronto?
Hello? (on answering the phone)
PROHN-toh
The default way to answer any call in Italy, formal or informal. It literally means 'ready'. Do not use 'Ciao?' to open an unknown call.
Buongiorno, sono Marco Rossi.
Good morning, this is Marco Rossi.
bwohn-JOHR-noh, SOH-noh MAR-koh ROHS-see
Formal self-identification, common in workplace and service calls. Use 'Buonasera' after roughly late afternoon.
Ciao, sono Giulia.
Hi, this is Giulia.
CHAH-oh, SOH-noh JOO-lyah
Informal, for friends and family. 'Sono' is the first-person form of 'essere' and works for both genders.
Sì, chi parla?
Yes, who's speaking?
see, kee PAR-lah
Polite way to ask who is calling. 'Chi parla?' is neutral and safe with strangers.
Sì, sono io.
Yes, speaking. / Yes, that's me.
see, SOH-noh EE-oh
Use this when the caller asks for you by name, for example 'Posso parlare con Anna?'
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
Italian phone openings often combine a greeting with a first-person verb. 'Sono' (I am) introduces your name: 'Sono Marco.' 'Parla' (speaks/is speaking) is common in more formal or service contexts: 'Parla Marco Rossi.' For asking about the caller, use 'Chi parla?' or the formal 'Con chi parlo?' (Who am I speaking with?). Note that Italian does not use 'questo è' (this is) for people on the phone the way English uses 'this is'. Say 'Sono Marco', not 'Questo è Marco'.
When to use it
Use 'Pronto?' for every incoming call, then adjust the next line to the caller. If you recognize a friend's voice, switch to 'Ciao, sono Giulia.' If the caller is unknown or the context is professional, stay with 'Buongiorno, sono...' or 'Buonasera, parla...'. If someone asks for a person who is not you, answer 'Un attimo, glielo passo' (One moment, I'll pass him/her to you) in formal contexts, or 'Aspetta un attimo, te lo passo' informally. Avoid 'Ciao' with doctors, offices, or unknown numbers, because it can sound too familiar.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Pronto?
Hello?PROHN-tohBuongiorno, sono Laura Bianchi. Posso parlare con il signor Conti?
Good morning, this is Laura Bianchi. May I speak with Mr. Conti?bwohn-JOHR-noh, SOH-noh LOW-rah BYAHN-kee. POHS-soh par-LAH-reh kon eel seen-YOHR KOHN-teeSì, sono io. Mi dica.
Yes, speaking. How can I help you?see, SOH-noh EE-oh. mee DEE-kahLa chiamo per fissare un appuntamento.
I'm calling to schedule an appointment.lah KYAH-moh pehr fees-SAH-reh oon ap-poon-tah-MEHN-tohA little context goes a long way
'Pronto?' is used only when answering, not when making a call. In much of northern and central Italy it is the normal opener even in offices; in some southern regions you may also hear 'Pronto, chi parla?' as a single greeting. Formal calls often use titles such as 'dottore', 'ingegnere', or 'signora' before a surname, and 'Lei' forms are expected with strangers and older people.
One thing to watch for
Answering an unknown call with 'Ciao?' or 'Come stai?'
Try this instead: Use 'Pronto?' to open any call. 'Ciao' is fine only once you know the caller is a friend or relative. For a formal call, say 'Buongiorno, sono...' or 'Buonasera, parla...'. Example: 'Pronto? Buongiorno, sono Anna.'
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1You answer the phone at home and do not recognize the number. What is the standard first word?
Show a sample answer
Pronto?
'Pronto?' is the neutral, universal way to answer in Italian. 'Ciao?' is possible only in very informal contexts and can sound too familiar with strangers.
2A caller asks 'Posso parlare con Luca?' and you are Luca. What do you say?
Show a sample answer
Sì, sono io.
'Sì, sono io' means 'Yes, that's me' and is polite and natural. 'Sono Luca' is also acceptable, but 'sono io' directly confirms identity.
3How do you ask who is calling in a neutral, polite way?
Show a sample answer
Chi parla?
'Chi parla?' is the standard neutral question. 'Con chi parlo?' is slightly more formal, and 'Chi è?' can sound abrupt or rude on the phone.
Answer with 'Pronto?', then choose 'Sono...' for informal calls or 'Buongiorno/Buonasera, sono...' for formal ones. Ask 'Chi parla?' when you need the caller's name, and confirm with 'Sì, sono io' when the call is for you.
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