Signification
To stop working for a short time.
Contexte culturel
The 'pausa caffè' is often taken multiple times a day. It is considered rude to refuse a coffee break with a colleague if you have the time, as it's a key moment for social bonding. In many Southern towns, the 'pausa pomeridiana' (afternoon break) is still observed, where shops close from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM for lunch and a nap (pennichella). Taking a break is seen as a way to increase productivity. Unlike some cultures where staying at your desk is a sign of hard work, in Italy, 'staccare' is seen as necessary for mental clarity. The phrase 'pausa di riflessione' is a cliché in Italian cinema and music, often used to signal the beginning of the end of a romantic story.
Use 'di riflessione'
If you want to sound like a native when talking about relationships, always add 'di riflessione' after 'pausa'.
Auxiliary Verb
Never say 'Ho preso una pausa' if you are using the reflexive form. It must be 'Mi sono preso'.
Signification
To stop working for a short time.
Use 'di riflessione'
If you want to sound like a native when talking about relationships, always add 'di riflessione' after 'pausa'.
Auxiliary Verb
Never say 'Ho preso una pausa' if you are using the reflexive form. It must be 'Mi sono preso'.
The Coffee Invitation
In Italy, 'Prendiamoci una pausa' is often a code for 'I have a secret to tell you' or 'Let's gossip'.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct reflexive pronoun and the verb 'prendersi' in the present tense.
Noi siamo stanchi, ________ una pausa.
The subject is 'Noi', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'ci' and the verb ending must be '-iamo'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to suggest a break in a relationship?
Come si dice in italiano?
'Prenderci una pausa di riflessione' is the standard idiom for a relationship hiatus.
Choose the best response for the following dialogue.
A: 'Lavoro da stamattina senza sosta!' B: '________'
'Prenditi una pausa' is a natural imperative, and 'te la meriti' (you deserve it) fits the context perfectly.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
1. Pausa caffè, 2. Pausa di riflessione, 3. Anno sabbatico
These are the three most common specific types of 'pausa' in Italian culture.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Tipi di Pausa
Lavoro
- • Pausa caffè
- • Pausa pranzo
- • Pausa sigaretta
Vita
- • Anno sabbatico
- • Pausa creativa
- • Pausa dai social
Amore
- • Pausa di riflessione
- • Prendersi tempo
- • Staccare un po'
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesNoi siamo stanchi, ________ una pausa.
The subject is 'Noi', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'ci' and the verb ending must be '-iamo'.
Come si dice in italiano?
'Prenderci una pausa di riflessione' is the standard idiom for a relationship hiatus.
A: 'Lavoro da stamattina senza sosta!' B: '________'
'Prenditi una pausa' is a natural imperative, and 'te la meriti' (you deserve it) fits the context perfectly.
1. Pausa caffè, 2. Pausa di riflessione, 3. Anno sabbatico
These are the three most common specific types of 'pausa' in Italian culture.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it's perfectly correct and very common. 'Prendersi una pausa' just sounds a bit more personal and intentional.
Yes, you can say 'Mi sono preso una pausa di un anno' or 'Mi sono preso un anno sabbatico'.
If you use the verb 'prendere', the reflexive 'si' is highly recommended for naturalness. Without it, it sounds a bit like a translation from English.
'Pausa' is general. 'Intervallo' is specifically used for the break between halves of a game or the break at school.
You say 'Sono in pausa'.
Yes, 'pausa pranzo' is the standard term.
Yes, 'Posso prendermi una pausa?' is a polite and professional request.
It's a smoke break. Even if you don't smoke, you'll hear this often in Italian offices.
Use the preposition 'da': 'Prendersi una pausa da qualcuno'.
It's becoming more common among young people due to English influence, but 'pausa' is still the standard.
Expressions liées
Staccare la spina
synonymTo pull the plug / to disconnect completely.
Fare un break
similarTo have a break (using the English loanword).
Andare in vacanza
builds onTo go on holiday.
Tirare il fiato
similarTo catch one's breath.
