Formal to Client
Workplace · Phone
先ほどはご不在でした。〇〇株式会社の〇〇と申します。折り返しのご連絡でございます。 — You were unavailable when I called earlier. I'm [Name] from [Company]. I'm calling to return your call. (Workplace · Phone, Formal to Client, JLPT N3)
You
先ほどはご不在でした。〇〇株式会社の〇〇と申します。折り返しのご連絡でございます。
さきほどはごふざいでした。〇〇かぶしきがいしゃの〇〇ともうします。おりかえしのごれんらくでございます。
You were unavailable when I called earlier. I'm [Name] from [Company]. I'm calling to return your call.
Romaji: Sakihodo wa gofuzai deshita. ○○ kabushiki gaisha no ○○ to moushimasu. Orikaeshi no gorenraku de gozaimasu. / Reply Romaji: Odenwa itadaite orimashita. Arigatou gozaimasu.
Reply
お電話いただいておりました。ありがとうございます。
おでんわいただいておりました。ありがとうございます。
Yes, I received your call. Thank you for calling back.
Gesture & etiquette
Keep a notepad ready before making the return call. Begin speaking promptly after the recipient answers — do not pause awkwardly. If voicemail answers, leave the same message clearly with your name, company, and callback number.
「折り返しのご連絡」(I'm returning your call) is the essential phrase when calling back someone who reached out first. It immediately establishes context so the recipient knows why they're receiving the call — beginning without this phrase causes confusion and feels unprofessional.