answer the phone
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- 1 answer the phone、handle phone calls
This expression means to answer an incoming phone call. It is commonly used in both everyday and workplace situations.
answer the phone、handle phone calls
To respond to an incoming call and begin speaking with the caller, including answering on someone else's behalf.
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ช่วยรับโทรศัพท์หน่อย chûay ráp thoorasàp nɔ̀ɔy Could you answer the phone? ช่วยรับโทรศัพท์หน่อย details
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ทำไมไม่รับโทรศัพท์ thammay mây ráp thoorasàp Why didn't you answer the phone? ทำไมไม่รับโทรศัพท์ details
Learning notes
Explanation
The expression combines รับ, “to receive,” with โทรศัพท์, “telephone.” Its central meaning is to respond to an incoming call. It can be used for both mobile and landline calls. รับโทรศัพท์แทน followed by a person means “answer the phone on that person's behalf,” while รับโทรศัพท์จาก followed by a person identifies whose call is being answered. In workplace contexts, it can also refer more generally to handling incoming calls as part of one's duties.
Usage
It is commonly used when a phone rings, when asking someone to answer it, or when discussing a missed call. It is also used for telephone duties in offices, reception areas, and call centers.
Caution
It does not mean “make a phone call.” To call someone, use โทรหา or โทรศัพท์หา followed by the person. To say “hang up,” use วางสาย.