Italian Phrases: Asking for a Raise

Vorrei discutere un adeguamento del mio stipendio.

I would like to discuss an adjustment to my salary.

Use to open the conversation about a salary increase in a formal or semi-formal way. The word 'adeguamento' (adjustment) is softer than 'aumento' (increase) and frames the request as a correction rather than a demand.

Nel corso dell'ultimo anno ho raggiunto risultati significativi.

Over the past year I have achieved significant results.

Use to introduce a summary of your accomplishments when making the case for a raise. Always follow with specific examples and numbers.

Ho verificato che la mia retribuzione è inferiore alla media di mercato.

I have verified that my salary is below the market average.

Use when you have done market research and want to use data to support your raise request. This is a particularly effective argument in Italy where salaries can vary significantly by sector and region.

Sono con questa azienda da cinque anni e ho sempre dato il massimo.

I have been with this company for five years and have always given my best.

Use to emphasise loyalty and sustained commitment as part of your raise argument. Longevity carries significant weight in Italian companies, especially family-run ones.

Ho assunto responsabilità aggiuntive rispetto al mio ruolo originale.

I have taken on additional responsibilities beyond my original role.

Use when your actual workload or scope has grown significantly beyond what was in your original job description.

Sto pensando a un aumento nell'ordine del 15%.

I am thinking of an increase in the region of 15%.

Use when your manager asks what figure you have in mind, or when you want to anchor the negotiation with a specific but flexible number.

Non ho ricevuto un adeguamento salariale negli ultimi due anni.

I have not received a salary adjustment in the past two years.

Use when a significant amount of time has passed without any pay review, especially if you have taken on more work or if inflation has eroded your real salary.

So che l'azienda apprezza il mio lavoro, e voglio che ciò si rifletta sulla mia busta paga.

I know the company values my work, and I want that to be reflected in my pay slip.

Use when you have received positive feedback, good performance reviews, or informal praise, and want to translate that recognition into a financial reward.

Se un aumento non è possibile ora, possiamo discutere altri benefit?

If a raise is not possible now, can we discuss other benefits?

Use as a fallback position when the employer signals budget constraints but you still want to improve your overall compensation package.

Ritengo che la mia retribuzione non sia allineata con il livello delle mie mansioni.

I believe my compensation is not aligned with the level of my duties.

Use when your salary does not match your actual job level or responsibilities, without directly comparing yourself to a specific named colleague.

Volevo cogliere questo momento positivo per sollevare la questione.

I wanted to seize this positive moment to raise the issue.

Use after a successful project, a strong performance review, or a period of company growth to signal that your timing is deliberate and strategic.

Voglio continuare a crescere con questa azienda.

I want to continue to grow with this company.

Use to signal long-term commitment while negotiating a raise, reassuring the employer that you are not a flight risk but still expect proper compensation.

Capisco. Possiamo fissare una data per riparlarne tra tre mesi?

I understand. Can we set a date to discuss this again in three months?

Use when a manager declines your raise request, to keep the conversation open and get a commitment to revisit the issue.

Ho ricevuto un'offerta esterna, ma preferirei restare qui.

I have received an external offer, but I would prefer to stay here.

Use only if you genuinely have a competing offer and are willing to leave if the raise is refused. This is a high-risk, high-reward tactic.

Vorrei capire quali sono le prospettive di crescita per il mio ruolo.

I would like to understand what the growth prospects are for my role.

Use when you want to combine a salary discussion with a career development conversation, showing that you are thinking long-term rather than just asking for more money.

Ho superato il periodo di prova con ottimi risultati e vorrei discutere le condizioni definitive.

I have successfully passed the probation period and would like to discuss the final conditions.

Use at the end of a probation period (typically 3–6 months in Italy) to renegotiate salary before signing the permanent contract.

Potrebbe dedicarmi mezz'ora questa settimana per discutere un aspetto del mio contratto?

Could you spare me half an hour this week to discuss an aspect of my contract?

Use to request a formal meeting with your manager specifically to discuss your salary, giving both parties time to prepare.

Nel settore farmaceutico, i profili come il mio sono pagati mediamente di più.

In the pharmaceutical sector, profiles like mine are typically paid more.

Use when you have sector-specific salary data and want to show that your employer is paying below the industry average.

Ho investito nel mio sviluppo professionale con corsi e certificazioni.

I have invested in my professional development with courses and certifications.

Use when you have obtained new qualifications, certifications, or completed training that directly increases your value to the company.

Non è una richiesta che faccio a cuor leggero.

This is not a request I make lightly.

Use to signal seriousness and deliberateness, particularly in Italian cultures where directness around money can feel uncomfortable.

So che è un momento difficile per l'azienda, ma vorrei comunque aprire questa conversazione.

I know it is a difficult time for the company, but I would still like to open this conversation.

Use when the company is going through a tough period (economic downturn, restructuring) but you still need to raise the topic of your compensation.

Sarei disponibile a strutturare parte dell'aumento come bonus legato agli obiettivi.

I would be willing to structure part of the increase as an objective-linked bonus.

Use to propose a performance-linked structure when an employer is hesitant about a fixed salary increase, sharing the risk while maintaining the upside.

Vorrei coinvolgere le Risorse Umane in questa conversazione.

I would like to involve Human Resources in this conversation.

Use if your direct manager is not empowered to approve raises and HR needs to be included, or if you want a more formal process.

Stimo che il valore che porto all'azienda superi di gran lunga il costo del mio aumento.

I estimate that the value I bring to the company far exceeds the cost of my raise.

Use when you can quantify your contribution in terms of revenue generated, costs saved, or clients retained — and want to frame the raise as a return on investment.

La ringrazio per avermi dedicato il suo tempo per questa conversazione.

I thank you for dedicating your time to this conversation.

Use to open or close a salary discussion meeting, showing appreciation for the manager's availability regardless of the outcome.

Cosa posso fare per meritare un aumento nei prossimi sei mesi?

What can I do to earn a raise in the next six months?

Use when a raise is declined but you want to get specific, actionable criteria for future success. This turns a 'no' into a development plan.

In occasione del rinnovo del contratto, vorrei discutere la mia retribuzione.

On the occasion of the contract renewal, I would like to discuss my compensation.

Use when your fixed-term contract is being renewed as a permanent one, or when an annual contract is up for review.

Voglio affrontare questa conversazione con serenità e pragmatismo.

I want to approach this conversation with calm and pragmatism.

Use to set a constructive, non-confrontational tone at the start of a salary negotiation meeting.

Torno a proporle l'argomento come avevamo concordato.

I am raising the topic again as we had agreed.

Use when following up on a previous salary conversation where the manager asked you to come back after a specific period or event.

Preferirei mantenere questa conversazione strettamente riservata.

I would prefer to keep this conversation strictly confidential.

Use at the start of the salary conversation to request privacy, particularly in companies where salary information is sensitive.

Invierò la mia richiesta anche per iscritto, se lo ritiene utile.

I will also send my request in writing, if you find it useful.

Use after a verbal salary discussion to formalise the request and create a record, particularly useful in larger companies with formal HR processes.

Il costo della vita è aumentato significativamente e il mio stipendio non lo ha seguito.

The cost of living has increased significantly and my salary has not kept pace.

Use when inflation or rising living costs have eroded your real purchasing power and you want to frame the raise as a cost-of-living adjustment rather than a merit increase.

Non è solo una questione economica — è una questione di riconoscimento.

It is not only an economic issue — it is a matter of recognition.

Use to add an emotional and motivational dimension to a salary request, making it clear that beyond money, you need to feel valued.

Rispetto la sua decisione e spero che possano esserci altre occasioni in futuro.

I respect your decision and hope there may be other opportunities in the future.

Use to close a salary conversation gracefully when the answer is a firm 'no', maintaining professionalism and leaving the door open for the future.

In alternativa a un aumento, considererei positivamente più flessibilità oraria.

As an alternative to a raise, I would view greater schedule flexibility positively.

Use as a fallback negotiation position when a salary increase is not possible, proposing a non-monetary benefit that improves quality of life.

Se non sarà possibile un aumento, dovrò valutare altre opportunità.

If a raise is not possible, I will have to consider other opportunities.

Use as a last resort to signal that you are seriously considering leaving if your salary is not addressed. Only use this if you mean it.

Il mio stipendio reale è diminuito a causa dell'inflazione.

My real salary has decreased due to inflation.

Use to make a precise economic argument about the loss of purchasing power when nominal pay has remained static while prices have risen.

Ho contribuito al progetto più strategico dell'anno e vorrei un riconoscimento concreto.

I contributed to the most strategic project of the year and I would like concrete recognition.

Use when you played a key role in a high-profile or high-impact project and want to connect that contribution directly to your raise request.

Ha un piano retributivo definito per i diversi livelli aziendali?

Do you have a defined pay plan for the different company levels?

Use to discover whether there is a formal salary structure and where you fit within it, which helps you understand whether your raise case needs to be an exception or an upgrade to the next band.

Non ho mai chiesto un aumento da quando lavoro qui.

I have never asked for a raise since I started working here.

Use when this is genuinely your first salary request after an extended period with the company, to signal that you are not a chronic complainer but have a legitimate, first-time request.

Le faccio pervenire la mia richiesta formale di revisione salariale.

I am formally submitting my request for a salary review.

Use when submitting a formal written salary review request, either via email or through an HR portal.