Formal to Client
Workplace · Phone
少々お待ちください。担当者に代わります。 — Please hold for a moment. I'll transfer you to the person in charge. (Workplace · Phone, Formal to Client, JLPT N4)
You
少々お待ちください。担当者に代わります。
しょうしょうおまちください。たんとうしゃにかわります。
Please hold for a moment. I'll transfer you to the person in charge.
Romaji: Shoushou omachi kudasai. Tantousha ni kawari masu. / Reply Romaji: Hai, yoroshiku onegai shimasu.
Reply
はい、よろしくお願いします。
はい、よろしくおねがいします。
Yes, thank you.
Gesture & etiquette
Before putting the caller on hold, confirm their name: 'Onamae o oshiete itadakemasu ka?' Cover the mouthpiece (do not mute) while you find the colleague — this is still considered more polite in Japan. Return within 30 seconds.
Never leave a caller on hold for more than 30 seconds without checking back. If the person is unavailable, offer to take a message or have them call back: 'Tadaima seki o hazushite orimasu' (They have stepped away from their desk).