aspetti per favore
The English phrase "please wait" is translated into Italian as aspetti per favore.
This phrase is a polite request for someone to stay where they are or to delay an action for a short time. A very common and natural alternative to aspetti per favore is un momento, per favore. In informal settings, you might also use Aspetta un attimo to say "Wait a moment" or Dammi un secondo to say "Give me a second".
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the formal imperative aspetti (wait) and per favore (please/for favor).
Which one should you use?
Use aspetta per favore instead of aspetti per favore when speaking to a friend, a child or someone you know well.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are asking a group of people to wait, use aspettate per favore.
Did you know?
- The verb aspettare is also used in the expression aspettare qualcuno, which can mean 'to be pregnant' when used in certain idiomatic contexts, though it usually just means 'to wait for someone'.
- In Italy, saying un momento is often accompanied by a gesture where the speaker holds their hand up with fingers slightly curled. This non-verbal cue reinforces the request for a brief pause.
- While per favore is the standard translation for 'please', Italians often use per cortesia in highly formal or professional settings to sound even more refined.
Examples in context
- Aspetta un attimo, devo fare una telefonata veloce.Wait a moment, I have to make a quick phone call.
- Dammi un secondo, sto inviando questa email.Give me a second, I am sending this email.
- Aspetti per favore, sto arrivando.Please wait, I am coming.
- Aspetti per favore, devo controllare.Please wait, I have to check.
Example conversation
Matteo is at a clinic and Martina is the receptionist.
- MartinaBuongiorno, ho un appuntamento alle dieci.Good morning, I have an appointment at ten.
- MatteoAspetti per favore, controllo subito.Please wait, I will check right away.
- MartinaVa bene, grazie mille.All right, thank you very much.
- MatteoIl dottore la riceve ora.The doctor can see you now.
