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PhrasesMaking Phone CallsLa chiamata viene deviata alla segreteria.
B1

La chiamata viene deviata alla segreteria.

The call is being diverted to voicemail.

Pronunciation

Stress 'de-via-TA'. 'Segreteria' = se-gre-te-RI-a.

When to use it

You'll hear this automated message when a call is forwarded to voicemail. Understanding it helps you know you should leave a message rather than waiting.

What it means

'Viene deviata' = is being diverted (passive present). 'Alla segreteria' = to voicemail. 'Deviare' = to divert. Automated voicemail greetings in Italian often say: 'Il numero chiamato non è disponibile o è spento' (The number you called is unavailable or switched off).

Variations

Il numero non è raggiungibile.

The number is not reachable.

Phone is off or out of coverage.

La casella vocale è piena.

The voicemail box is full.

No more messages can be stored.

Lasciate un messaggio dopo il segnale acustico.

Leave a message after the tone.

Standard voicemail instruction.

Mini Dialogue

— [Messaggio automatico] La chiamata viene deviata alla segreteria. Lasciate un messaggio dopo il segnale acustico. — [Bip] Ciao Sergio, sono Valentina. Sono le tre del pomeriggio. Richiamami quando puoi. Grazie.

— [Automated message] The call is being diverted to voicemail. Leave a message after the tone. — [Beep] Hi Sergio, it's Valentina. It's three in the afternoon. Call me back when you can. Thanks.

Cultural Note

Italian automated phone messages are known for being lengthy and formal, particularly from banks and utilities. Consumer frustration with complex automated phone trees ('alberi telefonici') is widespread. A popular Italian saying: 'Se vuole [X], prema 1... se vuole [Y], prema 2...' has become a cultural symbol of bureaucratic frustration.