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How to Say ‘Then, could I ask for a call back?’ in Japanese

では、折り返しお電話をお願いできますか。

de wa orikaeshi o denwa o o negai deki masu ka

[deh wah oh-ree-kah-EH-shee oh den-wah oh oh neh-guy deki mahs kah]

Phrase Breakdown

では、折り返し

de wa orikaeshi

well then, (call) back

では (dewa) means 'well then.' 折り返し (orikaeshi) means 'returning a call.' Pause after the comma, then say o-ri-ka-e-shi.

Example

では、折り返しご連絡します。

Well then, I'll get back to you.

Words in this phrase

で

[deh]

(te-form connector)

Part of the te-form 混んで, linking the verb to いる to show an ongoing state.

Example

道が混んでいます。

The road is congested.

は

[wah]

(part of では 'well then')

Combined with で to make the conjunction では.

Example

では、また明日。

Well then, see you tomorrow.

折り返し

orikaeshi

[oh-ree-kah-EH-shee]

calling back; in return

Noun/adverb meaning to respond back, especially to return a phone call.

Example

後で折り返し連絡します。

I'll get back to you later.

お電話をお願いできますか。

o denwa o o negai deki masu ka

could you please give me a call?

お電話 (odenwa) is the polite word for a phone call. お願いできますか makes it a polite request. Let your voice rise gently at か.

Example

後でお電話をお願いできますか。

Could you call me later?

Words in this phrase

お

[oh]

honorific prefix used in polite expressions

The polite prefix お makes the following word sound more courteous.

Example

お願いできますか。

Could you please do that?

電話

denwa

[den-wah]

telephone; phone

Used for phone calls or phone contact information.

Example

電話番号もお願いします。

Your phone number as well, please.

を

[oh]

object marker

The particle を marks the direct object of a verb.

Example

チケットを二枚ください。

Two tickets, please.

お

[oh]

honorific prefix used in polite expressions

The polite prefix お makes the following word sound more courteous.

Example

お願いできますか。

Could you please do that?

願い

negai

[neh-guy]

request; favor

願い refers to a wish or request, and in お願い it forms a polite request expression.

Example

お願いがあります。

I have a request.

でき

deki

[deki]

can do; be able to

Potential form element showing ability or possibility, from できる.

Example

今後も相談できたらうれしいです。

I would be happy if we could consult in the future too.

ます

masu

[mahs]

polite verb ending

A standard polite ending added to verbs, often used in customer service and formal speech.

Example

予約を確認します。

I will confirm the reservation.

か

[kah]

question marker

Placed at the end of a sentence to make it a question.

Example

A席はありますか。

Are there A seats available?

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