inconveniente
/in.kon.veˈnjɛn.te/
The English word 'hitch' can be translated into Italian as inconveniente or intoppo.
Meaning: problem, delay or source of difficulty (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| inconveniente | /in.kon.veˈnjɛn.te/ | |
| intoppo | /inˈtɔp.po/ /inˈtop.po/ |
masculine |
Both words are used to describe a problem, delay or source of difficulty. The word intoppo is frequently used when referring to technical or procedural delays, such as a hitch in a plan or a mechanical snag.
Which one should you use?
While inconveniente is a general term for an inconvenience, intoppo specifically suggests a small snag or a minor obstacle that disrupts a process.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun intoppo forms its plural as intoppi. The noun inconveniente forms its plural as inconvenienti.
How do you pronounce it?
inconveniente is pronounced /in.kon.veˈnjɛn.te/. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- Using inconveniente to describe a person's behavior can imply that their conduct is 'unseemly' rather than just 'inconvenient'.
- The word intoppo comes from the verb toppare, which means to patch or mend a hole in fabric. It suggests a situation where something has been 'patched up' or blocked by a snag.
- If you experience a 'hitch' in a digital process, an Italian developer might use intoppo to describe a 'glitch', treating the software error as a physical snag in a thread.
Examples in context
- Ho risolto quell'impiccio burocratico che avevamo discusso.I sorted out the bureaucratic hitch we discussed.
- Mi dispiace, ma c'è stato un intoppo con il mio volo.I'm sorry, but there was a hitch with my flight.
- C'è stato un breve blocco nel traffico durante il viaggio.There was a short hitch in the traffic during the journey.
- Non vorrei creare alcun inconveniente.I wouldn't want to cause any inconvenience.
- Abbiamo avuto un piccolo inconveniente con l'hotel.We had a small hitch with the hotel.
- L'inconveniente ha ritardato la nostra partenza.The hitch delayed our departure.
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are discussing their travel plans over the phone.
- MartinaAlessandro, c'è stato un inconveniente con il treno.Alessandro, there has been a hitch with the train.
- AlessandroÈ un grosso problema, Martina?Is it a big problem, Martina?
- MartinaNo, è solo un ritardo di mezz'ora.No, it is just a half-hour delay.
- AlessandroVa bene, allora non preoccuparti.Alright, then don't worry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hitch” translations and entries inconveniente, intoppo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
