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Italian Phrase

Mi passi il signor Smith?

/mi ˈpas.si il siɲˈɲor ˈsmiθ/
Meaning"Could you transfer me to Mr. Smith?"
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Meaning

A polite way to ask someone to transfer you to Mr. Smith, usually over the phone or at a reception desk. The speaker uses the subjunctive ‘passi’ to soften the request, making it sound courteous.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you need to be put through to a specific person in a formal setting—e.g., calling a company, speaking with a receptionist, or asking a colleague to forward your call.

✦Grammar Breakdown

MipassiilsignorSmith?

1

Mi (indirect object pronoun)

‘Mi’ replaces ‘to me’ and is placed before the verb in Italian.

2

Passi (present subjunctive)

‘Passi’ is the second‑person singular present subjunctive of ‘passare’, used here as a polite request, similar to ‘could you pass…’.

3

Il signor + surname

‘Il signor’ is the formal title used before a man’s surname; it shows respect in professional or formal contexts.

4

Question mark

In Italian, the question mark is placed only at the end of the sentence (the opening ‘?’ is not used).

🗨In Conversation

A

Buongiorno, potrei parlare con il signor Smith?

Good morning, may I speak with Mr. Smith?

Mi passi il signor Smith, per favore?

Could you transfer me to Mr. Smith, please?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Mi passa il signor Smith?

    ‘Passa’ is the indicative form; the subjunctive ‘passi’ is required for a polite request.

  • Mi passi il signor smith?

    Names are capitalised in Italian; ‘Smith’ should start with a capital S.

  • Mi passi signor Smith?

    The definite article ‘il’ is needed before ‘signor’ in standard Italian.

↔Alternatives

  • Potrei parlare con il signor Smith?

    May I speak with Mr. Smith?

  • Mi può mettere in contatto con il signor Smith?

    Can you put me in contact with Mr. Smith?

  • Può trasferirmi al signor Smith?

    Can you transfer me to Mr. Smith?

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Cultural Tip

In Italian business etiquette, always use ‘signor’ + surname when addressing a man you don’t know well. The subjunctive form ‘passi’ adds a layer of politeness, similar to saying ‘could you…’ in English. Remember to keep your tone friendly and use ‘per favore’ or ‘grazie’ to close the request.