Learn Hardcore Italian: Il treno è in ritardo a causa di maltempo. - The train is delayed because of bad weather.

In Italian, you normally include a definite article before singular count nouns. So il treno literally means the train. Omitting it (Treno è in ritardo) would sound ungrammatical in full sentences (though you might see it in headlines). Always say il treno with the article in everyday speech and writing.

What does in ritardo mean, and why is it formed with in + ritardo?

in ritardo literally means in delay and is the standard Italian expression for late or delayed. It combines the preposition in with the noun ritardo. You always use it with essere (to be) to say that someone or something is running late: il treno è in ritardo, sono in ritardo.

Why is the verb essere (è) used here instead of avere?

In Italian, you use essere to express a state or condition—being late is viewed as a condition of the train. Avere is used when you “have” something (e.g. ho fretta, “I’m in a hurry”). With delays, you say essere in ritardo, not avere ritardo.

Could we use ritardato instead of in ritardo, like il treno è ritardato?

While grammatically possible, Italians strongly prefer essere in ritardo. Using ritardato as an adjective is less common and can sound awkward; furthermore, ritardato in modern usage may carry negative or offensive slang connotations. It’s safest to stick with in ritardo.

What does a causa di mean, and how is it used?

a causa di means because of or due to. It’s followed by a noun or noun phrase indicating the reason: a causa di maltempo, a causa del traffico, a causa di un incidente. It’s a neutral, straightforward way to explain why something happened.

Why is there no article before maltempo? Could I also say a causa del maltempo?

maltempo is an uncountable noun meaning bad weather. You can omit the article when speaking of weather in general: a causa di maltempo. However, you can also say a causa del maltempo (with del = di + il) to refer to a specific or previously mentioned episode of bad weather. Both forms are correct; using del is slightly more concrete.

Could we use per maltempo or per il maltempo instead of a causa di maltempo? What’s the nuance?

Yes. per maltempo and per il maltempo are very common, especially in announcements: Treno in ritardo per maltempo. per maltempo is shorter and more colloquial, while a causa di is a bit more formal or explicit. They all convey the same general idea of due to bad weather.

What’s the difference between a causa di and per colpa di?

Both can translate as because of, but per colpa di implies fault or blame. Saying per colpa del maltempo suggests you’re blaming the weather. a causa di is neutral and simply states a reason without casting blame.

What’s the opposite of in ritardo? Could I say in orario or puntuale?

Yes. The opposite is in orario, meaning on time: il treno è in orario. You can also use the adjective puntuale: il treno è puntuale. Note that in tempo generally means in time for something (e.g. sono arrivato in tempo per la riunione).