Meaning
Running out of time.
Cultural Background
This is the #1 phrase used by sports newspapers like 'La Gazzetta dello Sport' to speculate on a coach's firing. Because Italian governments are historically short-lived, this phrase is a staple of political talk shows. In Italian-dubbed crime shows, 'hai le ore contate' is the standard translation for 'your time is up' or 'you're a dead man.' Italians love drama; using this for a dying phone battery is a very common 'Aperitivo' conversation starter.
Use it for drama
Don't be afraid to use this for small things like a dying battery; Italians love the hyperbole!
Agreement is key
Always check that 'contate' ends in 'e'. It's a common test question for Italian learners.
Meaning
Running out of time.
Use it for drama
Don't be afraid to use this for small things like a dying battery; Italians love the hyperbole!
Agreement is key
Always check that 'contate' ends in 'e'. It's a common test question for Italian learners.
Journalism hack
If you read Italian news, look for this phrase in headlines to quickly identify which politician or coach is in trouble.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'avere'.
Il vecchio frigorifero ___ le ore contate.
The subject 'il vecchio frigorifero' is third person singular.
Which of these is the correct idiom?
Scegli la forma corretta:
The idiom requires the feminine plural 'contate' to agree with 'ore'.
Match the situation to the meaning of 'avere le ore contate'.
Un allenatore che perde tutte le partite...
In sports, this phrase means someone is about to lose their job.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Il mio computer non si accende più bene.' B: 'Eh, mi sa che ___.'
This is the most natural way to say a machine is dying.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Urgency Levels
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl vecchio frigorifero ___ le ore contate.
The subject 'il vecchio frigorifero' is third person singular.
Scegli la forma corretta:
The idiom requires the feminine plural 'contate' to agree with 'ore'.
Un allenatore che perde tutte le partite...
In sports, this phrase means someone is about to lose their job.
A: 'Il mio computer non si accende più bene.' B: 'Eh, mi sa che ___.'
This is the most natural way to say a machine is dying.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it is very direct and can be seen as insensitive. It's better to use 'è alla fine' or 'gli resta poco tempo' in delicate situations.
It is always 'contate'. 'Conte' is not used in this idiom.
Yes! It's a common variation that means you are in a huge rush right now (e.g., 'I only have 5 minutes before my train').
It's neutral. You can use it with friends, but you'll also see it in serious newspapers.
There isn't a direct idiomatic opposite, but you could say 'avere tutto il tempo del mondo' (to have all the time in the world).
Usually, yes. It implies the end of something functional or positive.
Absolutely. 'L'offerta ha le ore contate' is a classic marketing line.
Idioms are fixed. 'Avere il tempo contato' is actually also used and correct, but 'le ore contate' is more common and dramatic.
Yes, it is a standard Italian idiom used from North to South.
Probably not, unless you are talking about a competitor's product. It might sound too aggressive or informal.
Related Phrases
essere agli sgoccioli
similarTo be at the very end of something (time, money, patience).
avere i giorni contati
synonymTo have one's days numbered.
mancare poco
similarTo be close to the end.
essere alla fine
similarTo be at the end.
stare per finire
builds onTo be about to finish.
