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Learn Frenchwith Natives
ENFR

A2 → B1 Lesson 1 of 3 · French on the Phone

Answering, spelling and phone numbers

The formulas of every call, how to spell your name and how phone numbers are said in Canada and in France.

13 min · 11 activities

In this lesson you will

  • Use the key phone formulas
  • Spell your name and understand spelling
  • Understand a phone number
FlashcardsDialogueQuizDictationSpeaking

Lesson summary

The key points to remember, for revision.

  • 1Ne quittez pas = hold the line; il / elle est en ligne = on another call; je vous le / la passe = I’ll put you through.
  • 2Spelling: G [ʒe] / J [ʒi], E [ə] / I [i]; add “comme + first name” to be sure.
  • 3Canada: 514 555-0187 in groups; France: 06 12 34 56 78 in pairs.
  • 4Never be shy to say “Pardon ? Pouvez-vous répéter ?”.

Key vocabulary

l’appareilthe phone (formal)
joindre quelqu’unto reach someone
rappelerto call back
le portablethe mobile phone
l’indicatif régionalthe area code