Meaning
To be in a place briefly.
Cultural Background
Italians value the 'viaggiatore' (traveler) archetype. Being 'di passaggio' is a respected status. Similar to Italy, 'être de passage' is used to explain short stays in cities like Paris. In Spain, 'estar de paso' is used frequently by tourists and business travelers. In Portugal and Brazil, 'estar de passagem' is the standard way to express this.
Add 'solo'
Adding 'solo' makes it sound more natural when you want to emphasize that you aren't staying long.
Politeness
It's a great way to politely decline long-term plans without offending anyone.
Meaning
To be in a place briefly.
Add 'solo'
Adding 'solo' makes it sound more natural when you want to emphasize that you aren't staying long.
Politeness
It's a great way to politely decline long-term plans without offending anyone.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
Non posso fermarmi a lungo, __________ a Roma.
The idiomatic expression is 'essere di passaggio'.
Choose the correct sentence.
Which sentence is correct?
Only 'Sono di passaggio' uses the correct preposition and verb.
Match the situation to the best response.
A friend asks you to stay for a week. You are leaving tomorrow.
This explains your temporary status politely.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesNon posso fermarmi a lungo, __________ a Roma.
The idiomatic expression is 'essere di passaggio'.
Which sentence is correct?
Only 'Sono di passaggio' uses the correct preposition and verb.
A friend asks you to stay for a week. You are leaving tomorrow.
This explains your temporary status politely.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it implies a short duration.
It is neutral and works everywhere.
Related Phrases
di passaggio
synonympassing through
essere in transito
similarto be in transit
solo di passaggio
builds ononly passing through
passare per
contrastto pass through a place
