momento
/moˈmen.to/masculine
The English word "moment" can be translated into Italian as momento. Wiktionary also lists attimo.
Meaning: very brief period of time (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| momento | /moˈmen.to/ | masculine |
| attimo | /ˈat.ti.mo/ | masculine |
Both momento and attimo are used to refer to a very brief period of time. To politely ask someone to wait or to pause an action, you can say Un momento.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /moˈmen.to/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The word attimo is actually a linguistic relative of the English word 'atom'. It stems from the idea of an indivisible, tiny particle of time.
- If you say un attimo to a shopkeeper, it is often a polite way to signal that you are still deciding and not ready to leave the shop.
- In Italian, un attimo is often used as a way to say 'just a second' when answering a phone or a door, even if the wait is several minutes.
Examples in context
- Ci dia un momento.Give us a moment.This sentence is useful for asking to give a group of people a momento.Tatoeba #5339079 by Guybrush88, translation #2648832 by CK
- Le dia un momento.Give her a moment.This sentence is useful for asking to give a female person a momento.Tatoeba #5750798 by Guybrush88, translation #3915885 by CH
- Gli dia un momento.Give him a moment.This sentence is useful for asking to give a male person a momento.Tatoeba #5750794 by Guybrush88, translation #3915884 by CH
- Mi scusi, posso chiederle un istante del suo tempo?Excuse me, may I ask you for a moment of your time?
- Potrei avere un momento per riflettere sulla questione?Could I have a moment to reflect on the matter?
- Aspettami un attimo, devo solo finire questa telefonata.Wait for me a moment, I just need to finish this phone call.
- Dai, arrivo tra un secondo!Come on, I'll be there in a second!
- 517 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are at home getting ready to leave.
- LorenzoGiulia, sei pronta?Giulia, are you ready?
- GiuliaDammi solo un momento, Lorenzo.Just give me a moment, Lorenzo.
- LorenzoNon fare tardi, per favore.Don't be late, please.
- GiuliaArrivo subito!I'm coming right now!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “moment” translations and entries momento, attimo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries attimo, momento, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
