May i take a message Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈmeɪ/ /ˈaɪ/ /ˈteɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈmɛsədʒ/, /ˈmɛsɪdʒ

MAY eye TAYK uh MES-ij

UK

mˈeɪ/ /ˈaɪ/ /tˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /mˈɛsɪdʒ

MAY eye TAYK uh MES-ij

Definition

A polite question you ask on the phone when the person someone wants is not available, offering to write down their message.

Usage & Nuances

Very polite, formal expression, typically used by receptionists or office workers on the phone. Alternatives: 'Can I take a message?' (less formal); avoid using with friends, unless joking. Often followed by 'Who may I say is calling?' or 'Would you like to leave a message?'.

• Spanish: ¿Puedo tomar un mensaje? - ¿Le puedo tomar un recado?
• Portuguese (BR): Posso anotar um recado? - Gostaria de deixar um recado?
• Portuguese (PT): Posso tirar um recado? - Quer deixar uma mensagem?
• Chinese (Simplified): 我可以帮您留言吗？
• Chinese (Traditional): 我可以幫您留言嗎？
• Hindi: क्या मैं कोई संदेश ले सकता हूँ?
• Arabic: هل يمكنني أخذ رسالة؟
• Bengali: আমি কি একটি বার্তা নিতে পারি
• Russian: Могу я принять сообщение
• Japanese: ご伝言をお預かりしましょうか
• Vietnamese: Tôi có thể nhận lời nhắn không
• Korean: 메시지 받아 드릴까요
• Turkish: Bir mesaj iletebilir miyim
• Urdu: کیا میں پیغام لے لوں؟
• Indonesian: Bolehkah saya mencatat pesan

Example Sentences

May I take a message for Mr. Green?

basic

I'm sorry, Ms. Lee is not here. May I take a message?

basic

She can't come to the phone right now. May I take a message?

basic

He's in a meeting at the moment—may I take a message?

natural

If you'd like, I can take a message and have her call you back.

natural

Sorry, he's stepped out for a bit. May I take a message or have him call you back later?

natural