Italian · Travel & Getting Around
"Delay" in Italian: ritardo
il ritardo
Delay in Italian is il ritardo (ree-TAR-doh), masculine. Essere in ritardo means to be late. Un ritardo del treno is a train delay.
How to pronounce ritardo: audio and sound guideStation board
Il treno ha un ritardo di dieci minuti.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce ritardo
Say it
ree-TAR-doh
/riˈtar.do/
Ritardo stresses TAR: ree-TAR-doh. Tap the r. Soft d.
"Delay" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| il ritardo | the delay Trains, flights, meetings. | Trains, flights, meetings. |
| in ritardo | late / delayed People and services. | People and services. |
| con ritardo | with a delay / late Apologies. | Apologies. |
| ritardo di venti minuti | a twenty-minute delay Announcements. | Announcements. |
How to use ritardo in real life
- 1Station board
Il treno ha un ritardo di dieci minuti.
The train has a ten-minute delay.
Un ritardo.
- 2Texting a friend
Scusa, sono in ritardo per il traffico.
Sorry, I'm late because of traffic.
In ritardo.
- 3Airport desk
C'è un ritardo sul volo per Palermo?
Is there a delay on the flight to Palermo?
Un ritardo.
Mistakes English speakers make with ritardo
Incorrect: Sono in delay.
Correct: Sono in ritardo.
Use ritardo, not English delay.
Incorrect: La ritardo è lunga.
Correct: Il ritardo è lungo.
Masculine: il ritardo.
Good to know
Good to knowStation loudspeakers chant ritardo all day. Saying sono in ritardo on the phone is the polite Italian opener before any excuse.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Waiting for a delayed train
ChatPal
Hanno annunciato un ritardo di mezz'ora.
They announced a half-hour delay.
You
Un altro ritardo? Prendiamo un caffè.
Another delay? Let's get a coffee.
ChatPal
Sì. Avviso Marta che siamo in ritardo.
Yes. I'll tell Marta we're late.
You
Grazie.
Thanks.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Delay" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Delay" in Italian
How do I say I'm late?
Sono in ritardo.
Gender?
Masculine: il ritardo.
Train delay?
Un ritardo del treno / ritardo di X minuti.
With a delay?
Con ritardo.
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