How to Say “Who is speaking on the phone?” in Portuguese
The Most Common Phrase
The most straightforward way to ask “Who is speaking on the phone?” in Portuguese is:
Quem está falando?
This phrase is widely used in Brazil and is understood throughout Portuguese-speaking regions. It literally translates to “Who is speaking?” and is a polite and standard way to inquire about the caller’s identity.
Other Useful Variations
Depending on the context or how formal you want to be, you can use these alternatives:
- Quem fala? – Another common, slightly more informal way to ask “Who’s speaking?”
- Com quem eu falo? – This means “With whom am I speaking?” and is a bit more formal.
- Quem está na linha? – This translates to “Who is on the line?” and can also be used in phone conversations.
When to Use These Phrases
These phrases are particularly helpful when you answer a call and don’t recognize the caller’s voice or when the person hasn’t identified themselves. In Portuguese-speaking cultures, it is common courtesy for callers to introduce themselves right away. However, if they don’t, using one of the above phrases is appropriate and polite.
Politeness and Cultural Tips
- Use a polite tone: The way you ask is just as important as the phrase itself. Speak gently and with a questioning intonation to sound courteous.
- Add a greeting: Before asking, you can say “Alô” (Hello) or “Bom dia” (Good morning) to make the conversation more pleasant.
- Introduce yourself first: In some situations, it’s polite to say your name before asking who is calling. For example: “Aqui é Maria. Quem está falando?” (This is Maria. Who is speaking?)
Common Responses You Might Hear
When you ask “Quem está falando?”, the caller may reply with:
- Aqui é o João. – This is João.
- É a Ana. – It’s Ana.
- Sou eu, o Pedro. – It’s me, Pedro.
Listen carefully to names and respond accordingly. If you don’t catch the name, you can politely ask them to repeat: Pode repetir, por favor? (Can you repeat, please?)
Practice Makes Perfect
Learning to handle phone calls in Portuguese is a valuable skill. Practice these phrases with language partners or use language learning tools like those offered by Talkpal to improve your listening and speaking abilities. The more you practice, the more natural these conversations will become.
Summary
Understanding how to say “Who is speaking on the phone?” in Portuguese is a fundamental part of mastering telephone etiquette. Whether you use “Quem está falando?”, “Quem fala?”, or another variation, you’ll be prepared for any phone conversation. For more practical language tips and resources, check out Talkpal – AI language learning blog to advance your Portuguese skills confidently.
