전화을 받다

Using this phrase is quite simple. You take the noun 전화 and attach the object marker 를. Then you add the verb 받다. In casual conversation, people often drop the 를 and just say 전화 받다. To make it polite, you would say 전화를 받아요 or 전화를 받으세요. If you already answered, you'd use the past tense: 전화를 받았어요.

Use this anytime a phone is ringing or vibrating. You can use it to tell someone to answer their phone. You can use it to explain why you were busy earlier. It's appropriate in the office, at home, or while out with friends. It works for voice calls, video calls, and even internet-based calls like KakaoTalk.

Don't use this when you are the one making the call. For that, you need 전화하다 (to call). Also, don't use it if you are receiving a physical phone as a gift. In that case, you would say 핸드폰을 선물 받다. This phrase is strictly about the communication aspect of "receiving" a call.

Korea is famous for its fast-paced "ppalli-ppalli" culture. Because of this, people usually expect you to answer the phone very quickly. In professional settings, answering within three rings is the unspoken rule. However, in public places like subways, Koreans are very mindful. They usually answer in a whisper or tell the caller they will call back later to avoid disturbing others.

If you missed a call, you say 전화를 못 받다. If the phone is currently ringing, you say 전화가 오다 (a call is coming). A very common command among friends is 전화 빨리 받아! which means "Answer the phone, fast!" You might also see 부재중 전화 on your screen, which means "missed call."