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Italian Phrase

È ora di fare una pausa?

/ɛ ˈɔ.ra di ˈfa.re ˈu.na ˈpau.za/
Meaning"Is it time to take a break?"
💡

Meaning

A polite, slightly informal way to ask whether the current moment is appropriate for a short rest. It can refer to a coffee break, a stretch, or any brief interruption of work or study.

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When to use

Use it after a period of sustained activity—during a meeting, while studying, or after a long drive—when you want to check if everyone agrees to pause. It works both in professional settings and casual conversations among friends.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Èoradifareunapausa?

1

È (essere)

Third‑person singular present of 'essere', used here to state a condition and form a yes/no question.

2

ora di + infinitive

A fixed expression meaning 'time to …' or 'it's time to …'. The infinitive follows directly.

3

fare

Infinitive of the verb 'to do/make'; in this construction it means 'to take' (a break, a walk, etc.).

4

una pausa

Indefinite article + noun. The article is required; omitting it sounds ungrammatical.

🗨In Conversation

A

È ora di fare una pausa?

Is it time to take a break?

Sì, prendiamoci cinque minuti per un caffè.

Yes, let's take five minutes for a coffee.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • È ora di fare pausa?

    The noun 'pausa' needs the indefinite article 'una' unless you use a different construction like 'prendere una pausa'.

  • È ora di fare una pause?

    Avoid the English plural form 'pause' and the extra 'e' at the end; the correct Italian noun is 'pausa'.

  • È ora di fare una pausa.

    When you intend a question, the intonation or a question mark is required; otherwise it reads as a statement.

↔Alternatives

  • È il momento di fare una pausa.

    It's the moment to take a break.

  • Possiamo fare una pausa ora?

    Can we take a break now?

  • Facciamo una pausa?

    Shall we take a break?

it

Cultural Tip

In Italy, the 'pausa caffè' (coffee break) is a cherished ritual, especially in offices and schools. Asking for a break with 'È ora di fare una pausa?' shows respect for the group's rhythm and signals that you value the shared pause. In the north, breaks tend to be shorter and more structured, while in the south they can be longer and more relaxed.