A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I'm in a hurry" in Italian
Learn how to politely tell someone you are in a rush in Italian with this essential phrase for navigating daily life in Italy.
Ho molta fretta.
oh MOL-ta FRET-taneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when a shopkeeper or a stranger tries to engage you in a long conversation while you are clearly heading somewhere. It is also perfect for explaining why you need to skip the small talk at a coffee bar or end a phone call quickly.
Alternatives
- Scusa, devo scappare.Use this casual version when you need to leave a social gathering abruptly.
- Vado di fretta.A very common, slightly more active way to say you are currently rushing.
- Ho i minuti contati.Use this idiom when you have a very strict deadline and literally have no time to spare.
Ways to get it wrong
Forgetting the double 't'
Ensure you pronounce the double 't' in 'fretta' with a slight pause, or it will sound like 'freta', which isn't a word.
Mixing up 'avere' and 'essere'
English speakers often try to say 'sono fretta', but in Italian, you 'have' (ho) hurry, not 'are' hurry.
A small cultural note
Italians value social interaction, so stating you are in a hurry is a polite social signal that you aren't being rude, just time-constrained.
Frequently asked
How do I say I am in a hurry but be polite?
Adding 'Mi dispiace' (I'm sorry) before 'ho molta fretta' softens the blow immediately. It shows you value the person's time even though you cannot stay.
Can I use this phrase with a taxi driver?
Yes, it is very common to tell a driver 'Ho molta fretta' if you are worried about missing a train or a flight. They will understand the urgency and likely take the fastest route.
Is there a slang way to say I'm rushing?
Younger people might say 'Sono di corsa', which literally means 'I am on the run'. It is very informal and implies you are physically moving quickly.
