rimandare
/ri.manˈda.re/
The English phrase 'rain check' can be expressed in Italian using rimandare.
The term refers to the act of postponing or extending an offer.
Meaning: an extension or postponement of an offer (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the third syllable: /ri.manˈda.re/.
Did you know?
- The English 'rain check' is a noun, but in Italian, you almost always need to use the verb rimandare or its derivatives. There is no direct equivalent noun that captures the exact same 'ticket' or 'voucher' imagery used in English.
- While you might use 'rain check' to avoid a social commitment, using rimandare to avoid a task can sometimes sound like you are 'putting it off' or procrastinating. In certain contexts, it carries a slightly more negative connotation of delay than the English phrase.
- The root verb mandare is also the origin of the English word 'mandate'. Just as a 'mandate' is something sent or commanded to be done, rimandare involves sending an action back to a different point in time.
Examples in context
- Nessun problema! Ci vediamo un'altra volta. Fammi sapere quale giorno ti va bene.No problem! Let's meet some other time. Let me know which day works for you.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Chiara are trying to schedule a coffee date.
- AlessandroVuoi prendere un caffè oggi pomeriggio, Chiara?Do you want to grab a coffee this afternoon, Chiara?
- ChiaraOggi non posso, possiamo rimandare a domani?I can't today, can we take a rain check until tomorrow?
- AlessandroCerto, domani per me va benissimo.Sure, tomorrow works great for me.
- ChiaraPerfetto, ci vediamo domani allora!Perfect, see you tomorrow then!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry rimandare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries rimandare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
