happy hour
The Italian phrase for "happy hour" is happy hour.
The English term happy hour is used as a loanword in Italian and is the standard way to refer to discounted drinks in bars and clubs.
Meaning: pub discount drinking hours (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
Milan is famous for its aperitivo buffet.
When do people say it?
Happy hour usually takes place between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. in Italy.
Did you know?
- The word aperitivo comes from the Latin aperire, meaning 'to open'. This reflects the ancient belief that a bitter drink stimulates the appetite by opening the digestive system.
- Even though 'happy hour' is used, it is often pronounced with an Italian accent, and you will rarely hear Italians call it 'l'ora felice'. The literal translation sounds strange and is almost never used.
- In Italy, the happy hour is closely tied to the spritz, a bittersweet drink made with prosecco and Aperol or Campari. In many regions, this drink is so central to the ritual that aperitivo and spritz are used almost interchangeably.
Examples in context
- Non voglio perdermi l'happy hour.I don't want to miss happy hour.This sentence shows how to express the desire not to miss the happy hour.Tatoeba #2839243 by Guybrush88, translation #2543238 by CK
- Durante l'happy hour, tutte le bibite sono a metà prezzo.During happy hour, all drinks are half price.This sentence illustrates how to describe drinks being offered at half price during the happy hour.Tatoeba #5391998 by Guybrush88, translation #4792246 by CK
- L'happy hour inizia alle sei di sera.The happy hour starts at six in the evening.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are deciding where to meet.
- GiuliaA che ora inizia l'happy hour?What time does the happy hour start?
- MatteoInizia alle diciotto, Matteo dice che è economico.It starts at six, Matteo says it is cheap.
- GiuliaPerfetto, ci vediamo lì per l'happy hour.Perfect, we'll see each other there for the happy hour.
- MatteoVa bene, a dopo Giulia!Alright, see you later Giulia!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy hour” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
