Significado
To leave politely.
Contexto cultural
The phrase reflects the 'Galateo', the traditional Italian code of polite behavior. It emphasizes the guest's responsibility to not overstay. In the South, hospitality is extremely intense. You might have to say 'Tolgo il disturbo' three or four times before the host actually lets you leave! In Milanese business culture, this phrase is used efficiently to signal the end of a meeting without wasting time. Many Italian-Americans still use a translated version ('I'll get out of your hair') which mirrors the social function of the original Italian idiom.
The 'Soft' Exit
Pair 'tolgo il disturbo' with a compliment about the time spent to make it even more effective. 'È stato un piacere, ma tolgo il disturbo.'
Don't over-conjugate
Stick to 'Tolgo' or 'Togliamo' (if you are with a group). Using other persons (like 'Lui toglie') is rare unless describing someone else's behavior.
Significado
To leave politely.
The 'Soft' Exit
Pair 'tolgo il disturbo' with a compliment about the time spent to make it even more effective. 'È stato un piacere, ma tolgo il disturbo.'
Don't over-conjugate
Stick to 'Tolgo' or 'Togliamo' (if you are with a group). Using other persons (like 'Lui toglie') is rare unless describing someone else's behavior.
The Italian Goodbye
Remember that in Italy, saying you are leaving is just the start of a 15-minute process. 'Tolgo il disturbo' is the opening bell.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'togliere'.
È tardi, io ______ il disturbo. Grazie di tutto!
The subject is 'io' (I), so the first person singular of 'togliere' is 'tolgo'.
Match the situation to the most appropriate use of the phrase.
You are at a doctor's office and the consultation is over.
This is a formal, polite way to exit a professional consultation.
Which of these is NOT a correct way to use the phrase?
Select the incorrect sentence:
'Lasciare il disturbo' is a common mistake; the verb must be 'togliere'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Vuoi un altro po' di vino?' B: 'No grazie, si è fatto tardi e non vorrei ______.'
In this context, B is initiating their departure politely.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosÈ tardi, io ______ il disturbo. Grazie di tutto!
The subject is 'io' (I), so the first person singular of 'togliere' is 'tolgo'.
You are at a doctor's office and the consultation is over.
This is a formal, polite way to exit a professional consultation.
Select the incorrect sentence:
'Lasciare il disturbo' is a common mistake; the verb must be 'togliere'.
A: 'Vuoi un altro po' di vino?' B: 'No grazie, si è fatto tardi e non vorrei ______.'
In this context, B is initiating their departure politely.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, quite the opposite! It is one of the most polite ways to leave because it suggests you are doing it for the other person's benefit.
It might sound a bit too formal with your own parents unless you are being slightly funny or if you haven't seen them in a long time.
They are synonyms. 'Togliere' is more common in the North and in standard Italian, while 'levare' is very common in Central and Southern Italy.
Not really. It's a phrase for spoken interaction or very informal notes. In a formal email, use 'Cordiali saluti' or 'In attesa di un Suo riscontro'.
Yes, the article is mandatory in this idiom. 'Tolgo disturbo' is grammatically incorrect.
Yes! It's a 'level-up' phrase that makes you sound much more culturally integrated.
Yes, if you are leaving with a partner or a group, use the 'noi' form.
This is a polite protest. You can stay for a few more minutes or insist: 'Sei gentile, ma devo proprio andare.'
Slang versions like 'Mi tolgo dai piedi' (I'll get out from under your feet) exist but are much more blunt.
Yes, it's very polite if the shopkeeper spent a lot of time helping you.
Frases relacionadas
andarsene
similarTo go away / to leave
congedarsi
synonymTo take one's leave
levare le tende
similarTo pack up and leave (literally: to take down the tents)
disturbare
builds onTo disturb / to bother
fare un salto
contrastTo drop by briefly
