Learn Italian: Un momento, per favore!

Un momento, per favore!

One moment, please!

Breakdown of Un momento, per favore!

per favore

please (asking for something)

il momento

the moment

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Questions & Answers about Un momento, per favore!

Why is it un momento and not uno momento?

Momento is a masculine singular noun starting with a normal consonant, so it uses the standard indefinite article un (meaning a, an, or one). You only use uno before masculine words starting with z, or s followed by another consonant.

How does this relate to the lesson on telling time?

When someone asks you che ore sono? (what time is it?), replying with un momento, per favore is the most natural way to ask them to wait a second while you check your watch or phone.

What does per favore literally mean?

It translates literally to 'for favor'. This is the standard, everyday way to say please in Italian. You can use it in almost any situation, whether you are speaking formally or informally.

Can I just say momento by itself without un?

In Italian, you need the article un here, just like you say a moment or one moment in English. Saying momento entirely on its own sounds unnatural and incomplete.