Ten Italian Time Expressions

Learning a new language means not only mastering grammar and vocabulary but also getting acquainted with idiomatic expressions that add color and depth to your communication. Italian time expressions are particularly common in daily conversations. These expressions not only help you understand the language better but also give insight into the Italian culture. In this article, I’ll list ten Italian expressions related to time, their English translations, and practical examples of how to use them.

1. “A tempo debito”

Translation: In due time, at the right moment

This expression refers to doing something at the appropriate time, when it’s most fitting or necessary.

Examples:

• A tempo debito, ti farò sapere cosa penso della tua proposta.
  (In due time, I will let you know what I think about your proposal.)
  
• Non è il momento di agire adesso. A tempo debito avremo la nostra vendetta.
  (Now is not the time to act. In due time, we will have our revenge.)

2. “Il tempo vola”

Translation: Time flies

This is a common Italian saying that reflects how quickly time passes when you’re enjoying yourself or when you’re busy with something.

Examples:

• Stavamo chiacchierando e il tempo è volato!
  (We were chatting and time flew!)
  
• Il tempo vola quando sei in buona compagnia.
  (Time flies when you’re in good company.)
  

3. “Essere in tempo”

Translation: To be on time, to be early enough

This expression is used when you’re on time or you’ve arrived at the right moment to do something.

Examples:

• Sono ancora in tempo per partecipare all’evento o avete già chiuso le iscrizioni?
  (Am I still in time to join the event, or have registrations already closed?)
  
• Non preoccuparti, siamo in tempo per prendere il treno.
  (Don’t worry, we’re on time to catch the train.)
  

4. “Passare il tempo”

Translation: To pass the time

This expression refers to spending time in an activity, often to make the time go by more quickly when you’re waiting for something.

Examples:

• Leggere un libro è un buon modo per passare il tempo.
  (Reading a book is a good way to pass the time.)
  
• Durante il viaggio, abbiamo passato il tempo giocando a carte.
  (During the trip, we passed the time playing cards.)
  

5. “Dare tempo al tempo”

Translation: Give time time (or let time heal)

This expression suggests that some things can only be resolved or understood with time, and that patience is required.

Examples:

• Non ti preoccupare troppo per adesso, dai tempo al tempo.
  (Don’t worry too much right now, give time time.)
  
• Le ferite si guariranno, basta dare tempo al tempo.
  (The wounds will heal, just give time time.)
  

6. “Chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo”

Translation: Don’t waste time if you have it

This Italian proverb urges you to use your time wisely and not procrastinate.

Examples:

• Se hai del tempo libero, studia! Chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo.
  (If you have free time, study! Don’t waste time.)
  
• Non rimandare a domani quello che puoi fare oggi. Chi ha tempo non aspetti tempo.
  (Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Don’t waste time.)
  

7. “In un batter d’occhio”

Translation: In the blink of an eye, very quickly

This expression refers to something happening very quickly or almost instantly.

Examples:

• Il tempo è volato e in un batter d’occhio è già sera!
  (Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it’s already evening!)
  
• Tutto è cambiato in un batter d’occhio.
  (Everything changed in the blink of an eye.)
  

8. “Non vedere l’ora”

Translation: To be eager, to look forward to

This expression is used when you are eagerly waiting for a future event or moment.

Examples:

• Non vedo l’ora di andare in vacanza!
  (I can’t wait to go on vacation!)
  
• Non vedo l’ora che arrivi il weekend.
  (I’m looking forward to the weekend!)

9. “Ogni cosa a suo tempo”

Translation: Everything in its own time, everything has its time

This expression emphasizes the importance of waiting for the right moment for things to happen or be done.

Examples:

• Non preoccuparti, ogni cosa a suo tempo.
  (Don’t worry, everything in its own time.)
  
• Non puoi fare tutto in una volta, ogni cosa a suo tempo.
  (You can’t do everything at once, everything has its time.)

10. “Prendere tempo”

Translation: To take time, to delay

This expression refers to taking extra time, often in order to delay or avoid making a decision or taking action.

Examples:

• Non puoi prendere tempo, devi prendere una decisione ora!
  (You can’t take time, you need to make a decision now!)
  
• Sta cercando di prendere tempo per capire meglio la situazione.
  (He’s trying to take time to better understand the situation.)

Conclusion

Using Italian time expressions can be fun, help you sound more fluent and connect more naturally with native speakers. Practice using these ten Italian time expressions in your daily conversations to improve your proficiency and enrich your language experience.

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