Italian Phrase
Hai tempo?
Meaning
Literally ‘Do you have time?’, this short question is used to find out whether someone is free at the moment or has a spare moment for a chat, a coffee, or an activity. It is informal and friendly.
When to use
Use it in casual conversation with friends, classmates, or colleagues you know well. It works both for asking about the present moment (‘Now?') and for a near‑future window (‘Later today?’). Add ‘Scusa’ or ‘Per favore’ for extra politeness.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Haitempo?
Hai (avere, 2nd pers. sing.)
‘Hai’ is the present‑tense, second‑person singular form of the verb ‘avere’ (to have). It is used in informal speech when addressing a friend, peer, or someone you know well.
tempo (noun)
‘tempo’ means ‘time’ (as in free time) or ‘weather’ depending on context. Here it refers to free time.
Informal vs. formal
When speaking to a stranger, an elder, or in a professional setting you would use the formal ‘Lei’ form: ‘Ha tempo?’
🗨In Conversation
Hai tempo?
Do you have a moment?
Sì, un po’. Che cosa vuoi fare?
Yes, a little. What do you want to do?
✕Common Mistakes
Ha tempo?
Use the formal form ‘Ha’ when speaking to strangers, elders, or in a business context.
↔Alternatives
Sei libero?
Are you free?
Hai un attimo?
Do you have a moment?
Hai tempo per me?
Do you have time for me?
Puoi parlare adesso?
Can you talk now?
Cultural Tip
In Italy, asking ‘Hai tempo?’ is a polite way to request someone’s attention without sounding demanding. Italians value personal interaction, so a quick ‘Scusa, hai tempo?’ before launching into a request shows respect. Remember that ‘tempo’ also means ‘weather’; if you want to ask about the weather you must say ‘Che tempo fa?’