Asking for Time Off
These phrases will help you navigate requesting time off, calling in sick, and arranging cover for your shifts in an Italian workplace.
Key Phrases
Posso prendere un paio di giorni la prossima settimana?
casualCan I take a couple of days next week?
Appropriate for part-time jobs or very informal work environments.
Vorrei prendere dei giorni di ferie il mese prossimo, se possibile.
neutralI would like to take some vacation days next month, if possible.
A standard and respectful way to ask a manager using the conditional tense.
Sarebbe possibile prendere qualche giorno di permesso alla fine del mese?
politeWould it be possible to take a few days of leave at the end of the month?
Uses the conditional to form a softer, highly respectful request.
Devo chiedere un giorno libero martedì prossimo per una visita medica importante.
neutralI have to ask for a day off next Tuesday for an important medical appointment.
Clear and professional without oversharing personal details.
Ho bisogno di un po' di riposo perché sono davvero molto stanco ultimamente.
casualI need some rest because I am really very tired lately.
Best used when you have a close, trusting relationship with your boss.
Pensi che sia un problema se manco venerdì prossimo?
casualDo you think it's a problem if I am absent next Friday?
Uses the present subjunctive 'sia' for uncertainty.
Vorrei essere sicuro che la mia assenza non causi problemi al nostro progetto.
politeI would like to be sure that my absence won't cause problems for our project.
Shows great professionalism and uses the subjunctive 'causi'.
Ho già chiesto a Marco se può coprire il mio turno mentre non ci sono.
neutralI already asked Marco if he can cover my shift while I'm away.
Shows initiative by finding coverage before asking for the time off.
Non si preoccupi, è necessario che io finisca tutto il lavoro prima della partenza.
politeDon't worry, it is necessary that I finish all the work before leaving.
Uses the formal imperative 'si preoccupi' and the subjunctive 'finisca'.
Non mi sento per niente bene oggi, credo proprio che resterò a casa.
casualI don't feel well at all today, I really think I'll stay home.
A natural phrase used when texting or calling a close manager or colleague.
Purtroppo ho la febbre alta e non riesco a venire in ufficio oggi.
neutralUnfortunately I have a high fever and I can't manage to come to the office today.
A clear, standard way to report an illness.
Visto che non sto benissimo, è possibile lavorare da casa per oggi?
neutralSince I don't feel great, is it possible to work from home for today?
Good for when you are mildly unwell but still able to work.
Oggi devo uscire un paio d'ore prima per risolvere un piccolo problema familiare.
neutralToday I have to leave a couple of hours early to solve a small family problem.
Keeps the personal issue vague while stating the need clearly.
Durante la mia assenza non controllerò le email, ma potete contattare la mia collega.
neutralDuring my absence I won't check emails, but you can contact my colleague.
Perfect for an automatic out-of-office reply or a team update.