Signification
Used to ask someone to wait briefly.
Contexte culturel
The 'finger gesture': Italians often accompany 'un momento' by holding up their index finger. This is not rude; it's a visual reinforcer of the request. In the South, 'un momento' might be followed by a longer wait than in the North. It's part of the more relaxed 'piano piano' (slowly slowly) lifestyle. In meetings, 'un momento' is used to pause a discussion for a 'punto di ordine' (point of order) or to check data. It's a sign of professional diligence. Younger Italians heavily favor 'un attimo' or even just 'attimo' in texting (often abbreviated as 'un att').
The 'Wait' Finger
Don't be afraid to use the index finger gesture. It's a standard part of Italian non-verbal communication.
Don't forget 'Per Favore'
Just saying 'Un momento' can sound like a command. Always add the polite tail.
Signification
Used to ask someone to wait briefly.
The 'Wait' Finger
Don't be afraid to use the index finger gesture. It's a standard part of Italian non-verbal communication.
Don't forget 'Per Favore'
Just saying 'Un momento' can sound like a command. Always add the polite tail.
Use it to think
If you forget a word, say 'Un momento, per favore...' It sounds much more natural than 'Uhhhh...'
Regional variations
In Rome, you might hear 'Un attimino'. It's the same thing, just more 'Roman'.
Teste-toi
Complete the polite request to wait.
Un ________, per favore.
'Momento' is the standard word for a short pause.
Which is the most polite way to ask a waiter to wait?
You are still choosing your food. What do you say?
'Aspetta!' is too informal/imperative, while 'Un momento, per favore' is perfectly polite.
Complete the phone dialogue.
A: Pronto, c'è Marco? B: Sì, ________, lo chiamo.
You need to ask the caller to wait while you get Marco.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: You are at a ticket office and need to find your passport.
This phrase buys you time to search your bag.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Wait Times
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesUn ________, per favore.
'Momento' is the standard word for a short pause.
You are still choosing your food. What do you say?
'Aspetta!' is too informal/imperative, while 'Un momento, per favore' is perfectly polite.
A: Pronto, c'è Marco? B: Sì, ________, lo chiamo.
You need to ask the caller to wait while you get Marco.
Context: You are at a ticket office and need to find your passport.
This phrase buys you time to search your bag.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is masculine (un momento).
Yes, it is perfectly polite for professional settings.
'Attimo' is slightly more informal and suggests a shorter wait.
No, 'uno' is only used before 's + consonant' or 'z'. Use 'un'.
It can be 10 seconds or 5 minutes. It's culturally flexible!
Yes, 'un minuto, per favore' is also common and very clear.
Yes, if you need a moment to look at the menu or check your phone.
A slight tap of the tongue is enough; don't overdo it.
Yes, it's a polite way to interrupt.
No, you can also say 'per piacere' or 'per cortesia'.
Expressions liées
un attimo
synonyma moment/instant
un secondo
similara second
aspetti
builds onwait (formal)
mi dia un momento
specialized formgive me a moment
pazienti un momento
specialized formbe patient a moment
