Meaning
Arriving before the deadline.
Cultural Background
The 'Quarto d'ora accademico' is a cultural rule where being 15 minutes late is still considered 'in tempo' for social gatherings. In cities like Milan, punctuality is taken more seriously. 'Fare in tempo' here usually means arriving exactly at or slightly before the scheduled time. Time is often seen as more fluid. 'Fare in tempo' might be used even if you are technically late, as long as the main event hasn't finished. Italians often use 'fare in tempo' when discussing Trenitalia, as trains are frequently slightly delayed, giving passengers more 'tempo' than expected.
The 'A' Rule
Always use 'a' before another verb. 'Faccio in tempo a...' is the most common way to use this phrase.
Don't use 'essere'
English speakers often say 'Sono in tempo' because of 'I am in time'. In Italian, 'Faccio in tempo' is much more natural for actions.
Meaning
Arriving before the deadline.
The 'A' Rule
Always use 'a' before another verb. 'Faccio in tempo a...' is the most common way to use this phrase.
Don't use 'essere'
English speakers often say 'Sono in tempo' because of 'I am in time'. In Italian, 'Faccio in tempo' is much more natural for actions.
Past Tense
Use 'Ho fatto in tempo' to sound like a native when you arrive just as something is starting.
The Italian Minute
If an Italian says 'faccio in tempo,' they might still be rushing. It implies a bit of a challenge!
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'fare in tempo'.
Se corriamo, noi ________ a prendere l'autobus.
The subject is 'noi', so the verb 'fare' must be conjugated as 'facciamo'.
Which sentence is correct?
You want to say you didn't have time to call your mom.
You need the auxiliary 'avere', the preposition 'in', and the preposition 'a' before the infinitive.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Il film inizia alle 21:00. Sono le 20:50. B: ________________
Since there are 10 minutes left, they still have time to make it.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You missed the train by one minute.
The past tense 'non ho fatto' is used because the event (the train leaving) has already happened.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Fare in Tempo vs. Essere Puntuale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSe corriamo, noi ________ a prendere l'autobus.
The subject is 'noi', so the verb 'fare' must be conjugated as 'facciamo'.
You want to say you didn't have time to call your mom.
You need the auxiliary 'avere', the preposition 'in', and the preposition 'a' before the infinitive.
A: Il film inizia alle 21:00. Sono le 20:50. B: ________________
Since there are 10 minutes left, they still have time to make it.
You missed the train by one minute.
The past tense 'non ho fatto' is used because the event (the train leaving) has already happened.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you are worried about arriving before the ceremony starts.
'In tempo' is the standard form. 'A tempo' is regional but common in the North.
'Non fare in tempo' or 'essere in ritardo'.
Yes, 'per' is used with nouns, 'a' is used with verbs.
Yes, it is perfectly neutral and polite.
You can say 'Ho fatto in tempo per un pelo!'
No. 'Essere puntuale' is a habit; 'fare in tempo' is a specific success.
Absolutely. It's very common in office environments.
It uses 'avere' (e.g., ho fatto).
Yes, in this expression 'tempo' is always singular.
Related Phrases
arrivare in tempo
synonymTo arrive on time
per un pelo
similarBy a hair / Just barely
in extremis
specialized formAt the very last moment
essere in ritardo
contrastTo be late
fare presto
builds onTo hurry up
