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PhrasesAsking for a RaiseVolevo cogliere questo momento positivo per sollevare la questione.
B2

Volevo cogliere questo momento positivo per sollevare la questione.

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

Pronunciation

'Cogliere' = CO-lye-re; the 'gli' sounds like the 'lli' in 'million'.

When to use it

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

What it means

Timing is crucial in Italian salary negotiations. Asking for a raise right after a win — a contract signed, a project delivered, a glowing review — puts you in the strongest possible position. 'Cogliere il momento' (to seize the moment) signals strategic awareness.

Variations

Dopo il successo del progetto, mi sembra il momento giusto.

After the project's success, it seems the right moment.

Links directly to a specific achievement

Dato il buon andamento dell'azienda quest'anno...

Given the company's good performance this year...

Ties the request to company-wide success

Vista la mia valutazione positiva, vorrei discutere...

Given my positive evaluation, I would like to discuss...

Links to a formal performance review

Mini Dialogue

Volevo cogliere questo momento positivo — l'azienda ha chiuso un trimestre record e la mia valutazione annuale è stata ottima — per sollevare la questione del mio stipendio. Penso che sia il contesto ideale per una conversazione costruttiva.

I wanted to seize this positive moment — the company has closed a record quarter and my annual review was excellent — to raise the salary issue. I think it is the ideal context for a constructive conversation.

Cultural Note

The best times to ask for a raise in an Italian company are: after a performance review, after a successful project, at the start of the budget cycle (often September–October), or when taking on a new role. Avoid asking during crises or busy periods.