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Italian Phrase

Assolutamente! Ho bisogno di una pausa.

/as.so.luˈtaˈmen.te o biˈzoɲɲo di ˈuːna ˈpau.za/
Meaning"Absolutely! I need a break."
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Meaning

The speaker emphatically agrees with something (‘Absolutely!’) and then states a personal need for a short rest. The two parts can be used together when you want to confirm a request while also indicating you need a break.

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When to use

Use this phrase after someone asks if you want to continue a task, study session, or conversation, and you want to give a strong affirmative answer but also signal that you need a short break before proceeding.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Assolutamente!Hobisognodiunapausa.

1

Assolutamente

An adverb meaning ‘absolutely’ or ‘definitely’, used to give strong agreement or affirmation.

2

Ho bisogno di + noun

A fixed construction where ‘avere’ (ho) is followed by the noun ‘bisogno’ and the preposition ‘di’ to express a need.

3

bisogno (noun)

Literally ‘need’; it is a masculine singular noun that requires the verb ‘avere’ rather than ‘essere’.

4

una pausa

Indefinite article + noun; ‘pausa’ means a short rest or break.

🗨In Conversation

A

Vuoi continuare a studiare per un'altra ora?

Do you want to keep studying for another hour?

Assolutamente! Ho bisogno di una pausa.

Absolutely! I need a break.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Sono bisogno di una pausa.

    The verb ‘avere’ (ho) is required with ‘bisogno’; ‘essere’ is never used.

  • Ho bisgono di una pausa.

    Spelling error – the correct spelling is ‘bisogno’.

  • Assoluta! Ho bisogno di una pausa.

    ‘Assoluta’ is an adjective meaning ‘absolute’; the adverb form is ‘Assolutamente’.

↔Alternatives

  • Certo! Ho bisogno di una pausa.

    Sure! I need a break.

  • Sì, ho proprio bisogno di una pausa.

    Yes, I really need a break.

  • Sicuramente! Mi serve una pausa.

    Certainly! I could use a break.

it

Cultural Tip

In Italian, ‘Assolutamente!’ is a very strong, informal way to agree and is common among friends or in casual settings. When you say ‘Ho bisogno di una pausa’, you’re using a polite, neutral expression that works both in professional and personal contexts. Italians often pause for coffee or a quick snack, so mentioning a ‘pausa’ can also imply a short social break.