Italian Phrase
Sei in chiamata?
Meaning
Literally ‘Are you in a call?’, this question asks whether the listener is currently on a phone call or otherwise occupied with a conversation on the line.
When to use
Use it when you want to check if someone is busy on the phone before you call, send a message, or approach them. It’s common in informal settings among friends, family, or coworkers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seiinchiamata?
Essere (sei)
‘Sei’ is the second‑person singular present of the verb ‘essere’ (to be) and is used to describe a state or condition.
Preposition ‘in’
‘In’ introduces a state or location; here it signals being ‘in a call’ (i.e., engaged in a phone conversation).
Noun ‘chiamata’
‘Chiamata’ is a feminine singular noun meaning ‘call’ (as a phone call). It is not a verb in this sentence.
Question mark
In spoken Italian the intonation rises at the end; written Italian adds a question mark after the clause.
🗨In Conversation
Sei in chiamata?
Are you on a call?
Sì, sto parlando con Marco. Ti richiamo tra cinque minuti.
Yes, I’m talking with Marco. I’ll call you back in five minutes.
✕Common Mistakes
Sei chiamata?
Missing the preposition ‘in’; ‘Sei chiamata?’ sounds like ‘You are called…’ rather than ‘Are you on a call?’
Sei al chiamata?
The article ‘al’ does not combine with ‘chiamata’; use ‘in’ or ‘al telefono’ instead.
Sei in chiamate?
‘Chiamate’ is plural; the question refers to a single ongoing call, so keep it singular.
↔Alternatives
Stai parlando al telefono?
Are you talking on the phone?
Sei al telefono?
Are you on the phone?
Sei in linea?
Are you on the line?
Cultural Tip
In Italy it’s polite to ask ‘Sei in chiamata?’ before dialing someone, especially during work hours. Italians often use ‘chiamata’ for both incoming and outgoing calls, and a missed call (‘una chiamata persa’) can be a subtle way of saying ‘call me back when you’re free.’