Learning how to say “call” in Chinese can be useful, whether you are planning a trip to China, have Chinese friends, or simply want to expand your language skills. In this guide, we will explore various ways to express “call” in Chinese, both formally and informally. We will also provide tips, examples, and discuss any regional variations if necessary.
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Formal Ways to Say “Call” in Chinese
When it comes to formal situations, such as business meetings, job interviews, or official settings, it is important to use the appropriate term. Here are some common formal ways to say “call” in Chinese:
1. 打电话 (dǎ diànhuà)
One of the most common ways to express “call” in Chinese is by using the term “打电话” (dǎ diànhuà). It literally translates to “hit telephone” and is widely understood across different regions of China. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as making a phone call or giving someone a call. For example:
我需要打电话给客户确认订单。
(Wǒ xūyào dǎ diànhuà gěi kèhù quèrèn dìngdān.)
I need to call the client to confirm the order.
2. 拨打电话 (bō dǎ diànhuà)
Another formal way to say “call” in Chinese is “拨打电话” (bō dǎ diànhuà). This phrase is often used in polite or professional contexts. It indicates the action of dialing or making a phone call. For example:
请您拨打客服电话咨询相关信息。
(Qǐng nín bō dǎ kèfú diànhuà zīxún xiāngguān xìnxī.)
Please make a call to the customer service hotline for inquiries.
Informal Ways to Say “Call” in Chinese
When communicating with friends, family, or in informal settings, you can use more casual expressions for “call.” Here are a few popular informal ways to say “call” in Chinese:
1. 打电话 (dǎ diàn)
In informal conversations, people often drop the “huà” from the phrase “打电话” (dǎ diànhuà), making it shorter and more casual. This is especially common in spoken Chinese. For instance:
晚上有空的话，记得给我打电话。
(Wǎnshàng yǒu kòng de huà, jìde gěi wǒ dǎ diàn.)
If you have time tonight, remember to give me a call.
2. 给…打电话/给…打个电话 (gěi… dǎ diànhuà/gěi… dǎ ge diànhuà)
Another common informal way to express “call” is by using the structure “给…打电话” or “给…打个电话” (gěi… dǎ diànhuà/gěi… dǎ ge diànhuà). In this case, “给” (gěi) means “to give” and is followed by the person you want to call. For example:
我给爸爸打个电话告诉他我回家了。
(Wǒ gěi bàba dǎ ge diànhuà gàosu tā wǒ huí jiāle.)
I will give my dad a call to let him know I’m home.
Regional Variations
While the terms mentioned above are generally understood across China, it’s worth noting that regional variations do exist. Local dialects or accents may influence the way people say “call” in different parts of China. However, for most practical purposes, the formal and informal phrases mentioned earlier should suffice.
Conclusion
Learning how to say “call” in Chinese opens up opportunities for better communication and interaction. By using the formal or informal phrases mentioned in this guide, you can confidently make phone calls in Chinese, whether in formal or informal settings. Remember to practice these phrases and gradually incorporate them into your Chinese conversations. 加油！(Jiāyóu! – Keep up the good work!)
