Italian Phrase
E se faccio tardi?
Meaning
This phrase is used to express concern or inquire about the consequences of arriving after a scheduled time. It combines the conjunction 'e' (and) with the hypothetical 'se' (if) and the idiomatic expression 'fare tardi' (to be late). It is a common way to voice anxiety about punctuality in everyday life.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are worried about missing a train, being late for a meeting, or arriving after a dinner party has started. It is suitable for both informal and formal contexts when discussing schedules.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esefacciotardi
Fare tardi
This is a fixed idiomatic expression. Even though English uses 'to be late', Italian uses 'fare' (to do/make).
Present Indicative for Future
In Italian, the present tense 'faccio' is frequently used to talk about near-future possibilities or worries.
🗨In Conversation
Il treno parte tra dieci minuti!
The train leaves in ten minutes!
E se faccio tardi? Non trovo le chiavi!
And what if I'm late? I can't find my keys!
✕Common Mistakes
E se sono tardi?
In Italian, you use the verb 'fare' (to make/do) to express being late, not 'essere' (to be).
E se faccio ritardo?
While 'ritardo' means 'delay', the standard idiomatic expression for the act of being late is 'fare tardi'.
↔Alternatives
E se arrivo in ritardo?
And what if I arrive late?
Cosa succede se faccio tardi?
What happens if I'm late?
Cultural Tip
While social punctuality in Italy can sometimes be flexible, being late for professional appointments or official transport is frowned upon. Interestingly, 'fare tardi' can also mean 'to stay out late' at night, depending on the context of the conversation.