Italian Phrase
Il signor Smith c'è, per favore?
Meaning
A polite way to ask whether Mr. Smith is present, usually spoken on the phone, at a reception desk, or when you arrive at a meeting place. The phrase combines a formal address (signor) with the presence‑checking verb c’è and the courtesy marker per favore.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to confirm the presence of a specific person in a formal or semi‑formal setting – e.g., calling a business office, checking in at a hotel lobby, or asking a colleague at a shared workspace.
✦Grammar Breakdown
IlsignorSmithc'è,perfavore?
Il (definite article)
Masculine singular definite article used before nouns and titles.
signor (title)
Formal title equivalent to ‘Mr.’; placed before the surname.
c'è (ci è)
Contraction of ‘ci è’, meaning ‘there is/there are’; used to ask if someone is present.
per favore (polite request)
Literally ‘for favor’, the standard way to say ‘please’ in Italian.
🗨In Conversation
Buongiorno, il signor Smith c'è, per favore?
Good morning, is Mr. Smith there, please?
Sì, è qui. Lo attende?
Yes, he is here. Is he expecting you?
✕Common Mistakes
Il signor Smith ci sono, per favore?
Learners sometimes confuse c’è (there is) with ci sono (there are). Use c’è when referring to a single person.
Il signor John Smith c'è, per favore?
Do not add a first name after signor; it should be used only with the surname.
Per favore, il signor Smith c'è?
Placing ‘per favore’ at the end of the sentence is polite; moving it to the beginning can sound abrupt.
↔Alternatives
Il signor Smith è presente, per favore?
Is Mr. Smith present, please?
Posso parlare con il signor Smith, per favore?
May I speak with Mr. Smith, please?
C'è il signor Smith?
Is Mr. Smith there?
Cultural Tip
In Italian business and formal contexts, always use the title ‘signor’ (or ‘signora’ for women) together with the surname. Adding ‘per favore’ softens the request and shows respect. Avoid using first names with ‘signor’; saying ‘Il signor John Smith’ would sound odd to native speakers.