Formal to Client
Workplace · Phone
ただいま席を外しておりますので、折り返しお電話差し上げますがよろしいでしょうか。 — He's away from his seat at the moment. Would it be alright if we returned your call? (Workplace · Phone, Formal to Client, JLPT N3)
You
ただいま席を外しておりますので、折り返しお電話差し上げますがよろしいでしょうか。
ただいませきをはずしておりますので、おりかえしおでんわさしあげますがよろしいでしょうか。
He's away from his seat at the moment. Would it be alright if we returned your call?
Romaji: Tadaima seki wo hazushite orimasu node, orikaeshi odenwa sashiagemasu ga yoroshii deshou ka. / Reply Romaji: Hai, omachi shite orimasu.
Reply
はい、お待ちしております。
はい、おまちしております。
Yes, I'll wait for the call.
Gesture & etiquette
Phone — no gesture but maintain upright posture (audible in voice). Have pen and note pad ready BEFORE picking up. Speak slowly when taking the callback number, repeat it back to confirm.
Standard phone reception when the target person is unavailable. 'お電話差し上げます' is humble (offering a call back). Always offer callback rather than just saying 'unavailable.' Take detailed message: caller's name, company, callback number, urgency, and reason for call. Pass to colleague within 30 minutes.