fare tardi
Lemma: fare tardi
Translation: to be late; to stay out late; to run late (phrase)
Etymology: This Italian phrase combines 'fare' (to do/make) with 'tardi' (late). It's a construction that literally means 'to make late' but is used idiomatically to express either being late for something or staying out until a late hour. This structure of using 'fare' + adjective/noun to create verbal expressions is common in Italian (compare with 'fare festa' - to celebrate, 'fare paura' - to frighten).
Example Usage
Scusa, ho fatto tardi perché c'era molto traffico.
Sorry, I'm late because there was a lot of traffic.
Ieri sera abbiamo fatto tardi al ristorante.
Last night we stayed out late at the restaurant.
Non fare tardi stasera, domani devi svegliarti presto.
Don't stay out late tonight, tomorrow you have to wake up early.
Se facciamo tardi, perderemo l'ultimo treno.
If we run late, we'll miss the last train.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'fare' as 'creating' a state of lateness - you're 'making' yourself late.
- Associate 'tardi' with the English word 'tardy' which has the same Latin root and similar meaning.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian culture, punctuality is generally valued but not as strictly as in some northern European or North American contexts. 'Fare tardi' is commonly used both to apologize for being late to appointments and to describe staying out late socializing, which is a common aspect of Italian social life, especially for young people.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'fare tardi' means to be late (for an appointment) or to stay out late, 'essere tardi' simply means 'it is late' referring to the time of day.
Confused word:
È tardi, devo andare a casa.
It's late, I have to go home.
Notes: 'Fare tardi' implies personal agency or responsibility, while 'essere tardi' is simply describing the time.
Mnemonic: 'Fare tardi' involves an action (being or staying late), while 'essere tardi' is just a statement about the time.
Explanation: 'Fare tardi' is a phrase meaning to be late or stay out late, while 'ritardare' is a verb meaning to delay or postpone something.
Notes: 'Ritardare' can be transitive (to delay something) or intransitive (to be delayed), while 'fare tardi' specifically refers to a person being late or staying out late.
Mnemonic: Think of 'ritardare' as causing a delay (to something else), while 'fare tardi' is about you being late.