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perdere tempo
/ˈpɛr.de.re ˈtɛm.po/
to waste time
Sto perdendo tempo con questa faccenda, è meglio lasciar perdere.
I'm wasting time on this matter, it's better to let it go.
informal
To spend time on something unproductive or unnecessary, resulting in no meaningful progress or benefit.
Non perdere tempo a discutere con lui, non ascolta mai nessuno.
Don't waste time arguing with him, he never listens to anyone.
Ho perso tanto tempo a correggere i suoi errori.
I wasted a lot of time correcting his mistakes.
Often used in contexts where time is perceived as a valuable resource. Can imply frustration or regret over misused time.
Collocations
perdere tempo inutilmenteto waste time pointlesslyperdere tempo dietro a qualcosato waste time on somethingnon perdere tempodon't waste time
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake
Avoid translating 'perdere tempo' as 'to lose time' in English, as this would sound unnatural. The correct translation is 'to waste time'.
Gold Rule
When to Use
Use 'perdere tempo' when you want to emphasize that time has been spent on something unproductive or unnecessary, often with a sense of frustration or regret.
Word Origin
From Latin 'perdere' (to lose, waste) + 'tempus' (time). The phrase entered Italian as a direct translation of the Latin concept, maintaining its figurative sense of 'losing time' in a non-literal, metaphorical way.
Usage Notes
Common in both spoken and written Italian, especially in informal contexts. Often used to express disapproval of someone's actions or to advise against engaging in unproductive activities. The phrase can carry a slightly negative connotation, implying that the time spent was not worthwhile.
Word Breakdown
perdere
to lose, waste
roottempo
time
rootDizionario Italiano-Inglese