non vedere l'ora

/non ˈvɛːdere l‿ˈoːra/◆idiom
can't wait

Non vedo l'ora di partire per le vacanze!

I can't wait to go on vacation!

◆ What It Really Means
To feel intense impatience or excitement about an upcoming event or moment.
Literal Meaning
Not to see the hour.
Literal Breakdown
nonnot+vedereto see+l'orathe hour
◇ Mental Image
The mental picture is of someone straining to 'see' the passing of time, unable to wait any longer for the desired moment to arrive.
◈ When to Use
Used when someone is eagerly awaiting a holiday, a meeting with a loved one, or the start of a favorite activity. Example: A student saying 'Non vedo l'ora di finire la scuola!' (I can't wait to finish school!).
◉ Cultural Note
This idiom reflects the Italian cultural emphasis on enjoying life's moments and expressing emotions openly. It is commonly used in both casual and semi-formal settings.
informal

To be very eager or impatient for something to happen.

Non vedo l'ora che arrivi il weekend!

I can't wait for the weekend to arrive!

Non vedo l'ora di rivederti.

I can't wait to see you again.

Often followed by 'di' + infinitive verb or 'che' + subjunctive clause.

Related Phrases

non vedere l'ora che succeda qualcosaidiom
to be impatient for something to happen

Pro Tip

Conjugation and tense

The phrase uses the present tense of 'vedere' (vedo, vedi, vede, vediamo, vedete, vedono) and is always followed by 'di' + infinitive or 'che' + subjunctive. Example: 'Non vedo l'ora di mangiare' (I can't wait to eat).

Gold Rule

Position in sentence

The phrase typically starts the sentence but can also appear mid-sentence for emphasis. Example: 'Spero che tu arrivi presto, non vedo l'ora!'

Word Origin

Literal meaning: 'not to see the hour.' Figurative use emerged in Italian to express impatience, likely influenced by the idea of time dragging when eagerly awaiting something.

Usage Notes

Used in both spoken and written Italian, primarily in informal contexts. The phrase conveys strong anticipation, often positive but sometimes neutral.

Word Breakdown

non
not
adverb
+
vedere
to see
verb
+
l'ora
the hour
noun phrase
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese