French Phone Calls Part 2: Ending Conversations and Business Calls

Ending a Call Politely

French phone calls have specific closing rituals that show respect and politeness.

Casual Goodbyes:

1. "Je dois te laisser" (I have to go)

   • Informal, used with friends
   • Followed by "à bientôt" (see you soon)

2. "On s'appelle plus tard" (Let's talk later)

   • Common among friends and family
   • Implies future contact

Professional Call Endings

1. "Je vous remercie de votre appel" (Thank you for your call)

   • Standard business closing

2. "Au revoir, bonne journée" (Goodbye, have a good day)

   • Professional and polite

Example Closing Exchanges:

1. Business: "Je vous remercie. Au revoir, bonne journée" (Thank you. Goodbye, have a nice day)

2. Casual: "Bon, je dois te laisser. À plus!" (Well, I have to go. See you!)

Taking Messages

1. "Puis-je prendre un message?" (May I take a message?)

   • Professional setting

2. "Vous voulez laisser un message?" (Would you like to leave a message?)

   • Less formal version

Scheduling Next Contact

1. "Je vous rappelle [time/day]" (I'll call you back [time/day])

2. "On peut se rappeler [time/day]?" (Can we call again [time/day]?)

Emergency Phrases

1. "La ligne coupe" (The line is breaking up)

2. "Je vous rappelle tout de suite" (I'll call you right back)

Business Call Tips

• Always confirm key information
• Repeat phone numbers digit by digit
• End with a clear next step
• Thank the person for their time

Common Closing Problems

1. "Je dois raccrocher, il y a une urgence" (I must hang up, there's an emergency)

2. "Excusez-moi, une autre ligne sonne" (Excuse me, another line is ringing)

A proper ending is as important as a good beginning in French phone calls. Always close with clear next steps and appropriate politeness formulas.