non vedere l'ora
To look forward to something in Italian, say non vedere l'ora. It literally means not to see the hour.
non vedere l'ora shows that you are excited about something coming soon, much like I can't wait. For example, Non vedo l'ora del mio compleanno! means I can't wait for my birthday!
What does it mean word for word?
Word for word, non vedere l'ora means not to see the hour, as if the moment cannot come soon enough.
Which one should you use?
aspettare con ansia (to wait eagerly) sounds more formal and suits professional writing, while non vedere l'ora is the everyday choice. Non sto nella pelle, literally I can't stay in my own skin, is an informal way to show even stronger excitement.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes for the person, so I can't wait to becomes Non vedo l'ora di. Before an action, add di and an infinitive. When the thing you look forward to has a different subject, use che followed by a subjunctive verb.
Did you know?
- The verb vedere in non vedere l'ora shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'wit'. Both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root *weyd-, which links the act of seeing with the act of knowing.
- In Italian, the word ansia in aspettare con ansia usually means 'anxiety'. In this specific phrase, however, it describes a state of nervous excitement rather than a negative fear.
- Using the phrase aspettare con ansia in a casual text message can make you sound overly dramatic or as if you are actually worried, since it is typically reserved for formal writing.
Examples in context
- Non vedo l'ora di incontrarla.I can't wait to meet you.
- Attendo con ansia la sua risposta.I eagerly await your response.
- Sono impaziente di discutere i dettagli.I am impatient to discuss the details.
- Non vedo l'ora di vederti domani!I can't wait to see you tomorrow!
- Non sto nella pelle dall'emozione per la festa.I can't wait for the party – I am so excited!
- Non vedo l'ora! Ho bisogno di prendere un po' di sole.I can't wait! I need to soak up some sun.
- Non vedo l'ora di vederti!I can't wait to see you!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry non vedere l'ora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries non, non vedere l'ora, vedere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
