On the telephone Meaning in English
expression
ON thuh TEL-uh-fohn
on thuh TEL-ih-fohn
Definition
Talking to someone using a telephone or during a phone call.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used to show someone is currently busy because they are on a call. Often used with verbs like 'talk', 'speak', 'be', or 'hold'. Not formal; 'on the phone' is interchangeable.
Spanish: por teléfono - al teléfonoPortuguese (BR): ao telefonePortuguese (PT): ao telefoneChinese (Simplified): 在电话上Chinese (Traditional): 在電話上Hindi: फ़ोन परArabic: على الهاتفBengali: ফোনেRussian: по телефонуJapanese: 電話でVietnamese: đang nói chuyện điện thoạiKorean: 전화 중Turkish: telefondaUrdu: فون پرIndonesian: di telepon
Example Sentences
She is on the telephone with her mother.
basic
Please do not disturb him, he is on the telephone.
basic
I was on the telephone when you called.
basic
Sorry, I can't talk right now—I'm on the telephone with my boss.
natural
Could you tell her I'll call back? I'm still on the telephone.
natural
He's been on the telephone for over an hour now!
natural