Meaning
Not on time.
Cultural Background
The 'quarto d'ora accademico' is a real social phenomenon. If you are invited to a house for dinner at 8:00 PM, arriving at 8:10 PM is often considered more polite than arriving at 7:55 PM, as it gives the host extra time. In cities like Milan, punctuality is a point of pride. Being 'in ritardo' for a business meeting is seen as a lack of respect and professionalism. Time is often perceived more fluidly. 'In ritardo' might not be used until someone is significantly past the agreed time, especially in casual social settings. Italians have a love-hate relationship with train delays. It is a common topic of conversation and bonding among commuters.
Avoid 'Sono tardi'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'essere in ritardo'.
Use 'di' for duration
If you want to sound natural, always use 'di' before the amount of time (e.g., 'in ritardo di 5 minuti').
Meaning
Not on time.
Avoid 'Sono tardi'
This is the #1 mistake for English speakers. Always use 'essere in ritardo'.
Use 'di' for duration
If you want to sound natural, always use 'di' before the amount of time (e.g., 'in ritardo di 5 minuti').
The Apology
In Italy, a quick 'Scusa per il ritardo' goes a long way, even if you are only 2 minutes late.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'essere' and the phrase 'in ritardo'.
Scusa, io ___ ___ ___ di cinque minuti.
In Italian, we use the verb 'essere' with 'in ritardo' to express personal lateness.
Which sentence is correct for a train delay?
Choose the correct option:
'Il treno è in ritardo' is the standard way to describe a delayed train.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
A: Perché non sei ancora qui? B: Mi dispiace, l'autobus ___ ___ ___.
Transport vehicles are described as being 'in ritardo'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'In forte ritardo' to the most likely context:
'Forte ritardo' implies a significant, heavy delay.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
In Ritardo vs. In Anticipo
Common Things that are 'In Ritardo'
Transport
- • Treno
- • Aereo
- • Autobus
People
- • Amici
- • Studenti
- • Colleghi
Work
- • Progetti
- • Consegne
- • Pagamenti
Practice Bank
4 exercisesScusa, io ___ ___ ___ di cinque minuti.
In Italian, we use the verb 'essere' with 'in ritardo' to express personal lateness.
Choose the correct option:
'Il treno è in ritardo' is the standard way to describe a delayed train.
A: Perché non sei ancora qui? B: Mi dispiace, l'autobus ___ ___ ___.
Transport vehicles are described as being 'in ritardo'.
Match 'In forte ritardo' to the most likely context:
'Forte ritardo' implies a significant, heavy delay.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that's incorrect. You must use 'Sono in ritardo' (I am in delay) or 'Ho un ritardo' (I have a delay), but the latter is usually for periods or technical things.
It is neutral. It's perfectly fine for both a boss and a best friend.
Use 'in forte ritardo' or 'in grande ritardo'.
The opposite is 'in anticipo' (early).
Yes, 'Il progetto è in ritardo' is very common.
No, 'ritardo' is a noun, so 'in ritardo' stays the same whether a man or a woman is late.
It means 'excuse the delay'. It's a common way to start a meeting if you arrive late.
Yes, often abbreviated to 'in rit' in very casual chats, though 'in ritardo' is short enough already.
Technically yes, but usually we say 'l'orologio resta indietro'.
You can say 'Sono in ritardo per colpa del traffico'.
Related Phrases
in anticipo
contrastEarly / ahead of schedule
puntuale
contrastPunctual / on time
fare tardi
similarTo stay out late
ritardatario
specialized formA latecomer
rimandare
builds onTo postpone
