Meaning
setback, hitch
- an unexpected event that delays, interrupts, or hinders plans
- a syncopation or off-beat in music
In a sentence
Scusa il ritardo, ho avuto un contrattempo prima di uscire.
Sorry for being late, I had a hitch before leaving.
Salvo imprevisti o contrattempi, il lavoro sarà pronto per venerdì.
Barring unforeseen delays or hitches, the work will be ready by Friday.
Quale contrattempo ti ha impedito di arrivare in orario?
What setback kept you from arriving on time?
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| contrattempo | masculine · singular |
| contrattempi | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Very common in polite apologies when arriving late or rescheduling.