Asking for Time Off
Essential phrases for requesting time off, calling in sick, and arranging cover for your shifts at work.
Key Phrases
Posso prendere due giorni di ferie ad agosto?
politeCan I take two days of vacation in August?
Use 'ferie' for paid vacation days in a standard full-time job.
Ho bisogno di un giorno libero venerdì prossimo.
neutralI need a day off next Friday.
Direct but acceptable with managers you know well.
Non posso venire in ufficio oggi perché sto male.
politeI cannot come to the office today because I am sick.
A standard, respectful way to report illness to your boss.
Ho la febbre alta. Oggi resto a casa.
casualI have a high fever. Today I am staying home.
Short and direct; good for messaging close colleagues.
Devo andare dal medico, quindi arriverò più tardi.
neutralI have to go to the doctor, so I will arrive later.
Uses 'quindi' (so) to naturally connect your reason and the result.
Finirò il progetto importante prima di giovedì.
politeI will finish the important project before Thursday.
Reassures your boss using the future tense.
Ho già parlato con Giulia. Lei farà il mio turno.
neutralI have already spoken with Giulia. She will do my shift.
Shows you have already solved the scheduling problem yourself.
È un problema se non ci sono domani?
neutralIs it a problem if I am not there tomorrow?
A soft way to check if your absence will cause issues.
Va bene per te?
casualIs that okay with you?
Very common when coordinating with peers or friendly supervisors.
Ieri non ho lavorato perché ho avuto la febbre.
neutralI didn't work yesterday because I had a fever.
Uses the past tense to explain a completed absence upon your return.