Italian Phrase
Puoi aspettare un attimo?
Meaning
Literally, “Can you wait a moment?” It is a courteous way to ask someone to pause briefly, often before continuing a conversation, giving directions, or completing a task.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need a short pause in a dialogue, such as while you’re looking something up, retrieving an item, or when you want the other person to hold on while you finish speaking.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puoiaspettareunattimo?
Potere (present, 2nd person singular)
Puoi is the present indicative of potere used with the infinitive to ask for permission or ability.
Infinitive after potere
In Italian, the verb following potere stays in its infinitive form (aspettare = to wait).
Indefinite article + noun
Un attimo means ‘a moment’; the article un agrees with the masculine singular noun attimo.
Question intonation
Raising intonation at the end of the sentence signals a polite request rather than a statement.
🗨In Conversation
Puoi aspettare un attimo?
Can you wait a moment?
Certo, dimmi pure.
Sure, go ahead.
✕Common Mistakes
Può aspettare un attimo?
Può is third‑person singular; you need the second‑person form puoi when addressing someone directly.
Puoi aspetti un attimo?
aspetti is the present subjunctive/imperative form; after potere you must keep the infinitive aspettare.
Puoi aspettare attimo?
Dropping the article makes the phrase sound incomplete; you need the indefinite article un before attimo.
↔Alternatives
Puoi attendere un attimo?
Can you wait a moment?
Aspetti un attimo, per favore?
Could you wait a moment, please?
Mi aspetti un attimo?
Will you wait a moment for me?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, adding “per favore” after the request makes it even more polite, especially with strangers or in formal settings. In the south, you might hear “Aspetta un attimo” (imperative) used among friends, while the north prefers the conditional “Potresti aspettare un attimo?”. Always match the level of formality to the relationship.