Signification
Asking for attention.
Contexte culturel
In Italy, 'un momento' often happens at the bar. If someone asks 'Hai un momento?', it's frequently an invitation to walk to the nearest espresso machine and talk there. In the South, social time is even more elastic. 'Un momento' can easily turn into a long lunch. Politeness and hospitality are paramount, so saying 'no' to this request is harder. In the fast-paced business world of Milan, 'Hai un momento?' is used strictly. People expect the 'moment' to be brief and focused on the task at hand. On social media and WhatsApp, 'Hai un momento?' is often shortened to 'Hai un attimo?' or even just 'Attimo?' to check if someone can jump on a video call.
The 'Dimmi' Response
When someone asks you 'Hai un momento?', the most natural response is 'Sì, dimmi' (Yes, tell me).
The Silent H
Never pronounce the 'H' in 'Hai'. It is a common beginner mistake that sounds very unnatural.
Signification
Asking for attention.
The 'Dimmi' Response
When someone asks you 'Hai un momento?', the most natural response is 'Sì, dimmi' (Yes, tell me).
The Silent H
Never pronounce the 'H' in 'Hai'. It is a common beginner mistake that sounds very unnatural.
Use 'Attimo' for Speed
If you want to sound like a local, use 'Hai un attimo?'. It sounds more spontaneous and less 'textbook'.
Body Language
Often accompanied by a small tilt of the head or a raised eyebrow to show you are being tentative and polite.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'avere'.
Scusi, signore, ___ un momento?
Since the speaker says 'signore' (sir), the formal 'Lei' form 'ha' is required.
Which phrase is the most casual and common among friends?
Asking a friend for a second:
'Hai un attimo?' is very common and informal, perfect for friends.
Fill in the missing line in the dialogue.
A: Hai un momento? B: _________
'Sì, dimmi' (Yes, tell me) is the natural way to respond to someone asking for a moment.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are talking to your boss.
The formal 'Ha' is necessary for a professional relationship with a superior.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Time Units for Interrupting
Units
- • un attimo
- • un secondo
- • un momento
- • un minuto
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesScusi, signore, ___ un momento?
Since the speaker says 'signore' (sir), the formal 'Lei' form 'ha' is required.
Asking a friend for a second:
'Hai un attimo?' is very common and informal, perfect for friends.
A: Hai un momento? B: _________
'Sì, dimmi' (Yes, tell me) is the natural way to respond to someone asking for a moment.
You are talking to your boss.
The formal 'Ha' is necessary for a professional relationship with a superior.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
13 questionsNo, it's actually very polite! It shows you respect the other person's time.
Yes, it's perfectly fine and very common.
The formal version is 'Ha un momento?'.
Say 'Scusa, ora non posso' (Sorry, I can't right now).
No, it's vague. It could be 30 seconds or 5 minutes.
Yes, but use the formal 'Ha un momento?' and start with 'Scusi'.
'Attimo' is slightly more informal and implies a shorter time.
It is always 'un momento'.
Yes, but that sounds like you need a lot of time, not just a moment.
No, it is always silent in Italian.
It's better for speaking or texting. In emails, use 'Le rubo solo un momento'.
Yes, it is a standard national phrase.
Yes, the diminutive 'momentino' makes it sound even smaller and cuter.
Expressions liées
Hai un attimo?
synonymDo you have a sec?
Disturbo?
similarAm I disturbing?
Posso disturbarti?
similarCan I disturb you?
Hai tempo?
builds onDo you have time?
Un momento!
specialized formWait a moment!
Aspetta un secondo
similarWait a second
