Formal to Client
Workplace · Phone
〇〇はただいま席を外しております。よろしければご伝言を承ります。 — [Name] is currently away from their desk. If you'd like, I can take a message. (Workplace · Phone, Formal to Client, JLPT N2)
You
〇〇はただいま席を外しております。よろしければご伝言を承ります。
〇〇はただいませきをはずしております。よろしければごでんごんをうけたまわります。
[Name] is currently away from their desk. If you'd like, I can take a message.
Romaji: [Name] wa tadaima seki wo hazushite orimasu. Yoroshikereba godengon wo uketamawarimasu. / Reply Romaji: Dewa, orikaeshi odenwa itadakemasu you, otsutae itadakemasu ka.
Reply
では、折り返しお電話いただけますよう、お伝えいただけますか。
では、おりかえしおでんわいただけますよう、おつたえいただけますか。
Could you let them know to call me back when they're available?
Gesture & etiquette
Always keep a notepad and pen beside the phone in a Japanese office. It is common to bow slightly even while on the phone — a deeply ingrained Japanese habit. Repeat back all message details clearly before hanging up.
「承ります」(uketamawarimasu) is ultra-polite humble speech for 'I will receive/accept.' When taking a message, always repeat it back to the caller to confirm, and note their name, company, and phone number. End with 「〇〇が戻り次第、ご連絡いたします」to show professionalism.