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PhrasesMaking Phone CallsVorrei parlare con il dottor Martini.
A2formal

Vorrei parlare con il dottor Martini.

I'd like to speak with Dr Martini.

Pronunciation

Stress 'par-LA-re'. 'Dottor' (without final 'e') is used before a name.

When to use it

Use this when calling a doctor's office, company, or institution and needing to be connected to a specific person. Always state the title and surname.

What it means

'Vorrei parlare con' = I would like to speak with. 'Il dottor' = Dr (masculine, used before name). Titles: 'il professor/la professoressa', 'il direttore/la direttrice', 'l'avvocato'. In formal Italian calls, title + surname is the standard form of address.

Variations

Posso parlare con la signora Ferrari?

Can I speak with Mrs Ferrari?

Less formal than 'vorrei'.

Mi può passare il responsabile?

Can you put me through to the manager?

When you don't know the name.

Cerco il reparto commerciale.

I'm looking for the sales department.

Asking for a department.

Mini Dialogue

— Studio medico Rossi, buongiorno. — Buongiorno. Vorrei parlare con il dottor Martini. — Mi dica il suo nome, prego. — Sono Giulia Conti, sono sua paziente.

— Rossi Medical Practice, good morning. — Good morning. I'd like to speak with Dr Martini. — Your name, please. — I'm Giulia Conti, I'm his patient.

Cultural Note

In Italy, using titles ('dottore', 'professore', 'ingegnere') is standard professional courtesy, both in person and on the phone. Anyone with a university degree ('laurea') can technically be called 'dottore'. Dropping the title without permission ('darsi del tu') is considered informal at best, rude at worst.