Formal to Client
Workplace · Phone
少々お待ちください。担当の者に代わります。 — Please hold for just a moment. I'll transfer you to the person in charge. (Workplace · Phone, Formal to Client, JLPT N3)
You
少々お待ちください。担当の者に代わります。
しょうしょうおまちください。たんとうのものにかわります。
Please hold for just a moment. I'll transfer you to the person in charge.
Romaji: Shoushou omachi kudasai. Tantou no mono ni kawarimasu. / 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
Place the caller on hold using the hold function (never cover the receiver with your hand — the caller can hear). Before transferring, brief the receiving colleague on the caller's name, company, and purpose to avoid making the client repeat themselves.
「担当の者に代わります」(I'll transfer you to the person in charge) is the standard Japanese call-transfer phrase. Unlike some cultures where the reason for the transfer is explained first, Japanese etiquette prioritizes a brief, polite handover — keeping the client waiting too long before explaining is considered rude.